The India vs South Africa clash in Cape Town’s second Test saw an action-packed day dominated by fast bowlers, witnessing an astonishing 20 wickets falling.
India started strong, dismissing South Africa for a mere 55 runs. However, the Proteas hit back, swiftly taking down India for 153.
Surprisingly, India’s last six wickets fell without adding any runs, leaving them at 153/4. This is the first time in Test cricket history that six wickets have tumbled within just 11 balls, a never-before-seen occurrence. Previously, there were only four instances of five wickets falling without a run being scored.
Before this, the closest fall of six wickets stood at a mere 1 run. Back in 1965 during the Rawalpindi Test, New Zealand faced a similar situation, losing six wickets while adding only one run.
South Africa’s score of 55 is the lowest ever against India in Test history. It’s also the lowest score when batting at home for South Africa since 1889.
South Africa’s captain, Dean Elgar, chose to bat first in this final Test against India at Newlands, aiming for a series sweep against the top-ranked team.
The hosts made three changes after their victory in the first Test. Debutant Tristan Stubbs took over from the injured regular captain, Temba Bavuma. Spinner Keshav Maharaj earned his 50th cap, stepping in for the injured Gerald Coetzee, while seamer Lungi Ngidi replaced Keegan Petersen.