In a riveting display of cricketing prowess,
South Africa left
India reeling
with a resounding 36-run victory by an innings on the third day of the
Boxing Day Test at Centurion. The home team’s stellar performance in both batting and bowling, spearheaded by
Dean Elgar and
Marco Jansen, left the cricketing world in awe.
South Africa’s dominance
Starting Day 3 with a lead of 11 runs, South Africa exhibited unwavering determination as Elgar (185) and the emerging talent, Jansen (84), forged a pivotal partnership. Despite a spirited fightback from the Indian bowlers, including the likes of
Shardul Thakur and
Jasprit Bumrah, South Africa managed to extend their lead to a substantial 163 runs before eventually being bowled out for 408.
India’s struggle
In response, India’s batting order crumbled like a house of cards. Despite a valiant effort from
Virat Kohli, who scored a resilient 76, the rest of the lineup failed to withstand the relentless onslaught from the South African bowlers. The Indian team was eventually bundled out for a meagre 131 runs, succumbing to defeat.
The star of the South African bowling attack was the young
Nandre Burger (4/33), who wreaked havoc in the Indian camp by claiming a sensational four-wicket haul. This marked India’s fifth consecutive defeat in the Test format, raising questions about their performance on foreign soil.
Marco Jansen’s impact
One of the standout performers in the match was the all-rounder Jansen. His contribution with both bat and ball played a pivotal role in South Africa’s dominance. Jansen’s aggressive yet composed batting style not only provided stability to the South African innings but also demoralized the Indian bowlers. His brisk 84-run knock showcased a blend of power and precision, leaving an indelible mark on the Centurion Test.
Nandre Burger’s four-fer
While Jansen’s heroics with the bat were noteworthy, it was Burger who stole the show with his exceptional bowling performance. Burger’s four-wicket haul dismantled the Indian batting lineup, leaving them in disarray. His ability to extract bounce and movement off the pitch, coupled with relentless accuracy, made him a nightmare for the Indian batters.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
It would be unfair not to acknowledge this inning of Virat Kohli on South African soil. Played brilliantly.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
December 28, 2023
Bringing the Burger sauce ??
#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/lKHd9gR398 — Werner (@Werries_)
December 28, 2023
In the wake of this comprehensive defeat & with South Africa playing fewer & fewer Tests with every passing year, you can’t help but wonder if India will ever win that elusive Test series in South Africa
#SAvInd — Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
December 28, 2023
Well played, Nandre Burger.
We've booked you a ticket for a Jungle Safari from Jan 3-7 ?
pic.twitter.com/sholRacue7 — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals)
December 28, 2023
Completely outplayed in every area of the game. Thanks
@klrahul and
@imVkohli for atleast saving the nose.
#SAvIND #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/cttTarFSEp — Ishan Joshi (@ishanjoshii)
December 28, 2023
Nandre Burger is proving himself at international level.
— DEVESH SINGH (@singhdev06)
December 28, 2023
Mitchell Marsh, Marco Jansen, Jimmy Neesham, Darryl Mitchell, Ben stokes.
Fast bowling all-rounders are key in overseas test matches ,which India have failed to produce after Kapil Dev and to some extent Irfan Pathan.
— Parth Waikul (@waikulparth)
December 28, 2023
What a performance by South Africa! Classical Test batting by Elgar & that's a formidable bowling attack they now possess. Marco Jansen is developing in to some player too – miles ahead of Cam Green ?
The cricket world a better place with a strong South Africa in it
#SAvIND ?
— Cricketnut ? (@Cricketnut4)
December 28, 2023
Puri tarah se ghutne teke hai team ne. Expected better.
#INDvsSA — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
December 28, 2023
It seems it's not just Pakistan who suffer collapses in Test cricket:
India 96/4
India 131 all out
Last 6 wickets for 35 runs
#SAvIND #Cricket — Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket)
December 28, 2023
? Tough day for India in Centurion, but we're not giving up.
? The boys will be at Cape Town on January 3rd for the second test.
? Getty •
#SAvIND #SAvsIND #TeamIndia #BharatArmy #COTI??
pic.twitter.com/PfufnbVobu — The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy)
December 28, 2023
Dean Elgar signed off at his home ground with one of his best Test knocks ever ?
#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/ywfTYu0sAt — ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA)
December 28, 2023
#INDvSA A superhero like performance from the Proteas, they claim the first Test by an innings and 32 runs. Kohli c Rabada b Marco Jansen 76(82) [4s-12 6s-1]
— Rakesh kumawat (@RAKESHK17015235)
December 28, 2023
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