In a striking defeat at Centurion Park, India succumbed to South Africa, concluding their innings at one of their lowest totals ever against the host nation.
Opening Test, Centurion Park, Centurion: (Day 3 of 5)
India’s innings wrapped up at 245 (with Rahul scoring 101; Rabada achieving 5-59) and 131 (Kohli hitting 76; Burger securing 4-33). South Africa responded with a robust 408 (Elgar scoring a high of 185, Jansen contributing an unbeaten 84; Bumrah taking 4-65), clinching the win by an innings and 32 runs.
Scorecard Details
Despite Virat Kohli’s strong resistance, scoring 76 runs, it wasn’t enough to prevent India’s crushing defeat by South Africa in the series opener at Centurion.
India’s second innings crumbled in the evening, ending at a mere 131 in 34.1 overs, losing seven wickets in the process.
Kohli, along with Shubman Gill (who scored 26), were the only Indian batsmen to reach double digits, facing a formidable challenge from Nandre Burger (4-33) and Marco Jansen (3-36).
The series moves to Cape Town for the second and final Test, commencing on January 3rd at Newlands.
Meanwhile, in another match, Marsh & Smith led a rescue effort for Australia against Pakistan.
Post-match, India’s captain Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment, acknowledging the team’s subpar performance and collective failure.
Rohit reflected, “We’ve played here before and are aware of what the conditions demand. Everyone had their strategies, but we failed to adapt and execute them effectively, resulting in poor batting on both occasions, which led us to this outcome.”
Earlier, South Africa had established a commanding lead with 408 runs, responding to India’s initial score of 245.
Dean Elgar, nearing retirement from international cricket post this series, displayed remarkable skill, scoring 185 runs, while Jansen contributed an unbeaten 84.
India was in a precarious position at 62-3 during tea, as Kagiso Rabada, who claimed 5-59 in the first innings, took the crucial wicket of Indian captain Rohit.
However, the visitors lost a staggering seven wickets for just 59 runs in the evening, succumbing to South Africa’s seam attack.
Kohli’s valiant effort of 76 from 82 balls ended as the final wicket, caught impressively by Rabada off Jansen’s bowling, with extras being the third-highest contributor for India, adding eight runs.
Dean Elgar, named Player of the Match, commented on the team’s strategy, “To secure 20 wickets, you need a mix of fast bowlers and perhaps a spinner. Everyone must be at their best. Kagiso Rabada was outstanding, and Nandre Burger emerged as a key player, making it an exceptional team performance.”
In a notable women’s cricket update, India achieved a historic victory over Australia in their Test match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Centurion Test Match Results
Who won the first Test match at Centurion Park?
South Africa won the first Test match at Centurion Park by an innings and 32 runs against India.
What was Virat Kohli’s score in the second innings of the Centurion Test match?
Virat Kohli scored 76 runs in the second innings of the Centurion Test match against South Africa.
Who was the top scorer for South Africa in their innings at Centurion?
Dean Elgar was the top scorer for South Africa with 185 runs in their innings at the Centurion Test match.
What were the bowling figures for Nandre Burger in the Centurion Test match?
Nandre Burger achieved bowling figures of 4-33 in the Centurion Test match against India.
When and where is the second Test match between India and South Africa scheduled?
The second and final Test match between India and South Africa is scheduled to start on January 3 at Newlands in Cape Town.
More about Centurion Test Match Results
- BBC Sport: South Africa v India – Scorecard
- Cricbuzz: India in South Africa, 1st Test, Centurion, 2023
- ESPNcricinfo: India tour of South Africa, 1st Test, Centurion
- The Guardian: South Africa crush India by innings in first Test to lead series
1 comment
elgar’s innings was amazin, he’s a legend!