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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 16ꦆ3 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 r💞elentless onslaught from the South African bowlers. The Indian team was eventually bundled out for a meagre 131 runs,꧙ 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.
Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin warns Marco Jansen for backing up too fa🅠r at non-striker’s end during Centurion Test
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 so꧂il. Played brilliantly.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
Bringing the Burger sauce 🍔🔥
— Werner (@Werries_)
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 Indꦚia will ever win that elusive Test series in South Africa
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
Well played, Nandre Burger.
We've booked you a ticket for a Jungle Safari from Jan 3-7 😊
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals)
Completely outplayed in every 🐎area of the game. Thanks and for atleast savingᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ the nose.
— Ishan Joshi (@ishanjoshii)
Nandre Burger is proving him𓆏self at🌜 international level.
— DEVESH SINGH (@singhdev06)
Mitchell Marsh, Marco Jansen, Jimmy Neesham, Darryl Mitchell, Ben stokes.
Fast bowling all-rounders are key in overse🐽as test matches ,which🍬 India have failed to produce after Kapil Dev and to some extent Irfan Pathan.— Parth Waikul (@waikulparth)
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 bet꧒ter place with a stron♋g South Africa in it 🏏
— Cricketnut 🏏 (@Cricketnut4)
Puri tarah♑ se ghutne teke hai team ne. Expected better.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
It seems it's not just Pakistan who suffer collapses in Test cricket:
India 96/4
India 131 all outLast 6 wickets for 35 runs
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket)
💔 Tough day for India in Centurion, but we're not giving up.
��ღ�� The boys will be at Cape Town on January 3rd for the second test.
📷 Getty • 🇮🇳
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy)
Dean Elgar signed off at his home groun🐲d with one of his best Test knocks ever🤡 🌟
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA)
A superhero like performance from the Proteas, th꧃ey claim the first Test by an innings and 32 runs. Kohli c Rabada b Marco Jansen 76(82) [4s-𒅌12 6s-1]
— Rakesh kumawat (@RAKESHK17015235)