In a stunning turn of events, Team India clinched a memorable win against South Africa in the second Test match, securing victory by 7 wickets on only the second day of play. Chasing a target of 79 runs set by South Africa, the Indian team accomplished the feat, losing just 3 wickets and scoring 80 runs in 12 overs.
This triumph at Cape Town marks India’s historic achievement as the first Asian team to defeat South Africa in a Test match at this venue. The match concluded within two days, making it only the 25th instance in the 147-year history of Test cricket.
The Indian bowlers played a pivotal role in the victory, with the first innings seeing South Africa bundled out for a mere 55 runs, while Team India managed 153 runs. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar performance in the second innings stood out, as he claimed 6 wickets, achieving his 9th 5-wicket haul in Test cricket and equaling the record for the most 5-wicket hauls in South Africa.
Bumrah now joins the elite company of Javagal Srinath, having achieved the feat thrice.
Notably, he has also risen to the third position in the list of most wickets taken by an Indian bowler in Africa, with 38 wickets to his name.
The overall record of Test matches ending within two days is a rare occurrence, constituting only 0.99% of all Tests played since the inception of Test cricket in 1877. England, Australia, and South Africa have been the most frequent participants in such encounters, with only 25 matches achieving this swift resolution.
The historic match at Cape Town will be remembered not only for India’s triumph but also for the exceptional performance of bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has etched his name in the annals of cricket history.
As the Indian team concludes its South Africa tour with a victory, cricket enthusiasts worldwide await the next thrilling chapter in the world of Test cricket.
Sunil Yash Kalra is a women’s cricket historian and founder of Indian Sports Fans.