IN PICS: How India demolished South Africa at their fortress in Centurion to go 1-0 up
2021 would be considered a historic year for Team India. India defied all odds and won at Gabba, Lords, The Oval and Centurion. India now chases a dream to defeat South Africa in their own backyard for the first time in Tests. They have started their campaign with a memorable Centurion Test win.
KL 'Classy' Rahul
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Team India was chasing a dream to win in South Africa for the first time.
Opener KL Rahul didn't disappoint and scored an impressive century (123), with 16 fours and one six.
The newly appointed vice-captain Rahul reached his ton in 218 balls and showed immense patience, discipline and determination.
(Photograph:AFP)
India 1st Innings
Apart from KL Rahul, Mayank Aggarwal and Ajinkya Rahane played well, contributing with 60 and 48 respectively.
India were bowled out for 327 in 105 overs in the first essay.
(Photograph:AFP)
Lungi Ngidi's five-fer dismisses India for 327
When India were going strong, Lungi Ngidi was a lone warrior for South Africa and kept taking wickets at regular intervals. He dismissed the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant.
He ended with figures of 24-5-71-6.
(Photograph:AFP)
Mohammed Shami show all the way
When South Africa came to bat, they were struck with India's smart and disciplined bowling to be bowled out for 197/10.
Mohammed Shami took a fifer, whereas, Shardul Thakur and Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets each.
India, thus, managed a lead of 130 runs.
(Photograph:AFP)
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South Africa bowlers bundle out India for 174 in second essay
Contradictory to first-innings bowling, South Africa completely took the Indian team by surprise in the second innings and bowled them out for 174/10 runs in 50.3 overs.
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Dean Elgar's 77 only resistance from Proteas in pursuit of 305
Chasing a huge target of 305 runs, Deal Elgar showed a lot of persistence and stood between India and victory before going down to Jasprit Bumrah for 77(156).
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Jasprit Bumrah-starrer bowling unit take India to 1-0 lead
Fast bowlers, who are India's strength, showed why they are the one of the best attacks at present and bowled out South Africa for 191/10 in 68 overs on Day 5.
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami took 3 wickets apiece whereas Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj took two wickets each.
(Photograph:AFP)
Team India's maiden win in Centurion, first Asian side to win at the venue
Team India won convincingly at Proteas' fortress to go 1-0 in the series. KL Rahul was adjudged 'Player of the match' for his spectacular innings.
For the unversed, this became India's fourth win in SA; second under Kohli (in a row).