After winning the toss and opting to bowl, South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada stole the show with a brilliant fifer that left India struggling at 208/8 by the end of Day 1. However, amidst the chaos, KL Rahul‘s unbeaten fifty emerged as a glimmer of hope for the Indian side.
India’s shaky start
The Indian innings got off to a shaky start, losing key wickets early on. Rohit Sharma departed at 13/1, followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal (23/2) and Shubman Gill (24/3). The Proteas’ pace attack, spearheaded by Rabada, demonstrated its dominance right from the initial overs.
Fightback by Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli
Despite the early setbacks, Shreyas Iyer (31) and Virat Kohli (38) displayed resilience and mounted a fightback. Their partnership provided India with stability, but both batters eventually departed after contributing valuable runs.
Rabada was the chief architect of India’s collapse for South Arica, claiming crucial wickets at regular intervals.
Also READ: Pat Cummins, MS Dhoni, Ellyse Perry & others celebrate Christmas with their loved ones
Kagiso Rabada’s fiery spell
Rabada emerged as the hero for the home team, wreaking havoc in the Indian camp with a sensational fifer. His magical spell saw him dismiss key players, including Rohit, Kohli, Iyer, Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur. The 28-year-old bowler’s pace and accuracy proved too much for the Indian batting lineup to handle. With this, Rabada also completed 500 international wickets. Moreover, Nandre Burger contributed with crucial two wickets.
KL Rahul’s unbeaten fifty
Amidst the flurry of wickets, Rahul stood tall as a beacon of hope for India. The resilient batter crafted an unbeaten fifty, reaching 70 not out by the time stumps were called early due to rain. Rahul’s composed innings provided India with a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and steer the team towards a respectable total.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
26 DecemberKL Rahul – it's a forever kinda thing
pic.twitter.com/W9wh409KNV
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 26, 2023
Rabada completed 500 wickets in International cricket.
– made his debut in 2014, South Africa plays less Tests compared to many but he has been their go to man, once in a generation bowler.pic.twitter.com/sCjfKk7igs
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 26, 2023
moments of pure masterclass!
#SAvIND #BoxingDayTest
: Getty pic.twitter.com/8MHrllWds3
— Joburg Super Kings (@JSKSA20) December 26, 2023
First SIX off the match courtesy Shreyas Iyer.
It has been tough conditions till now and Shreyas – Kohli has grinded out well. pic.twitter.com/B4WHwHIVzf
— Knight Vibe (@KKRiderx) December 26, 2023
Rabada has been ruthless today as he gets his 14th Test five-for on Day 1 of the #BoxingDayTest
He is now 15 away from 300#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/cnGQT8UR0N
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 26, 2023
Rabada is closing in to 400 wickets already, and He is playing only his 61st Test match. Already abowler in this format, but since he isn't an Australian or Englishman, so obviously, he won't be hyped.
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) December 26, 2023
Kagiso Rabada now has a test bowling strike rate of 39.4, the best by any bowler with a 100 plus wickets in the last 50 years#CricketTwitter
— Gills (@gpricey23) December 26, 2023
Comeback is always greater than the setback. Well played future Captain KL Rahul in these Alien Conditions.pic.twitter.com/jXcTKrmugi
— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_(@bholination) December 26, 2023
Also READ: Tabraiz Shamsi responds to the social media bullying
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.