SA vs IND 1st Test Day 1 Report: The dream of taking over Proteas in a Test series on their land is yet to be a dream for India. And the current one was anticipated to be ‘the one’ considering India’s glittering performances in the World Cup as well as in the just-gone ODI series. The campaign of ‘Mushkil Hai Maza Aayega’ (It’s difficult but will be fun) prior to the series seems to be cut in half and chopped off the tail end because, as the first day went, it seems that India is in a ‘mushkil’ (difficult) situation.
India posted a score of 208 and lost their valuable eight within 59 thrilling overs at Centurion, leaving the game a bit evenly poised. Despite challenging conditions, KL Rahul’s 70* gave them the hand that they had been looking for since the start. South Africa, led by Kagiso Rabada‘s brilliant spell of 5-44, initially had India in a tough spot at 91 for 3, but Rahul’s exquisite strokeplay turned the tide.
Batting first, India faced early setbacks with the losses of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, a stroke of luck, with both Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli dropping on 4, allowed India to recover. Then, Rabada’s disciplined bowling changed the game. His precision, focusing on the top of the off stump, disrupted partnerships and troubled even the usually solid Kohli.
Kohli’s departure for 38, where he left a ball angled into off stump that seamed away, left India at 107 for 5. At this critical juncture, KL Rahul, initially 5 off 9, displayed exceptional control and resilience. Facing the possibility of a collapse with only a couple of bowling all-rounders and the tail to follow, Rahul’s unbeaten 70 became a special effort.
Rahul’s ability to navigate tough conditions, much like his hundred in the previous game at Centurion, showcased his problem-solving skills. He faced the challenge alone, finding the boundary approximately once every nine balls, steering India to a respectable total on a pitch not conducive to easy strokeplay. Despite facing hardships, Rahul’s innings demonstrated his reliability and crucial role in anchoring India’s innings.
SA vs IND 1st Test Day 1 Report: Score Snippet
India 208 for 8 (Rahul 70*, Kohli 38, Rabada 5-44) vs South Africa
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