South Africa, who went to lunch at 21/1, was reduced to 36/4 with India pacers rocking their top order. Mohammed Shami picked up 2 wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj helped themselves to a wicket each. In the first session, India lost seven wickets for 55 runs. With rain washing out the second day entirely and a significant amount of time lost already, it was expected that the well-set duo of KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane will take up a more attacking approach against the South Africa bowling.
But a brilliant spell from Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada spoiled India’s plans to go past 400 in the first innings. The visitors lost four wickets in 27 deliveries including Rahul and Rahane, with SA coming up with a much-improved bowling performance on the third day.
However, India did strike back before the lunch with Jasprit Bumrah’s unplayable away swinger found opposition skipper Dean Elgar’s (1) outside edge. South Africa went into the break with the scoreboard reading 21 for one. Aiden Markram (9 batting) and Keegan Petersen (11 batting) were at the crease. The morning belonged to Ngidi and Rabada as the Supersport Park track stayed true to its reputation of quickening up as time progressed.