India’s younger opener Sai Sudharsan battled by means of one of the vital difficult Take a look at innings of his quick profession, scoring 14 runs off 139 balls within the second Take a look at in opposition to South Africa. The trouble is now recorded as India’s second-slowest Take a look at knock with a minimal of 100 balls confronted, simply behind Yashpal Sharma’s 13 off 157 balls versus Australia in 1981.
Sudharsan’s stoic resistance got here in India’s steep 549-run chase. His lone boundary mirrored the battle on a deteriorating floor as South Africa maintained relentless self-discipline with the ball. His innings finally ended when Senuran Muthusamy drew a thick outdoors edge, and Aiden Markram grabbed the catch at slip, Markram’s eighth catch of the match, probably the most by any South African fielder in a Take a look at.
Harmer’s Dominance and India’s Collapse
Sudharsan didn’t play the primary Take a look at in Kolkata, and on this match, he managed 29 runs throughout two innings, highlighting how powerful scoring turned for India below stress.
He survived an early scare on Day 5 when a pointy outdoors edge was overturned attributable to a Marco Jansen no-ball, providing transient reduction. Nevertheless, South Africa continued tightening the screws, with Simon Harmer main the assault and selecting up key wickets. India had been 90/5 at tea, nonetheless 459 runs in need of the goal, as hopes of saving the Take a look at light quickly.
India had been ultimately bowled out for 140, struggling a 408-run defeat, their largest loss by runs at house in Take a look at historical past. South Africa sealed a well-known 2-0 collection victory, marking a dominant begin to their World Take a look at Championship journey.