Indian batsmen showed no resistance in the morning session of the Day 5 against South Africa. Lungisani Ngidi’s fiery bowling and some reckless shot selection cost India the Centurion Test by 135 runs prior to lunch.
The proceedings commenced with Cheteshwar Pujara and Parthiv Patel in the middle. The duo had a task to grab a massive opportunity with the big gun, Virat Kohli, back into the pavilion. Nonetheless, Pujara had other plans. He became the first Indian to get run-out twice in a Test.
Meanwhile, Parthiv’s innings was cut short by a short delivery from Kagiso Rabada, wherein the left-hander failed to keep his shot grounded. Hardik Pandya too perished on a poor shot.
Following Pandya’s dismissal, Rohit Sharma combined with Mohammed Shami to avoid the inevitable with a 54-run stand. The duo played their shots and kept the scoreboard moving despite few hits and misses.
After scoring 47, Rohit was finally trapped on a short delivery. He, thus, departed three runs short of his half-century. India’s tail tried to open their arms to get some batting practice. The innings was hardly stretched following Rohit’s exit. As a result, India lose the Test by 135 runs.
Well, it is also first Test series loss for India under Virat Kohli as a full-time captain.
Here is how Twitter reacted to South Africa’s win:
SA's fierce commitment expressed brilliantly by veterans (e.g. ABD) & rookies (e.g. Ngidi) alike. Batsmen particularly pulled up their socks
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 17, 2018
To take nothing away from the South Africans, of course. Raised performance couple of notches in all 3 depts to stymie any threat from India
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 17, 2018
Congratulations South Africa on another wonderful performance.
Lungi very impressive. Well tried , India.— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 17, 2018
The prospect of an overseas challenge remains a daunting task for Team India as they go 2-0 down in the #FreedomSeries #SAvIND
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) January 17, 2018
Series win. Well done men
Special performance from Lungi, well done bud 👊🏼#ProteasFire— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 17, 2018
Forget winning away, does anyone compete away any more…….
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 17, 2018
A good day for @OfficialCSA teams. Seniors wrapping up the test series vs India and the Under 19’s booking their place in the #U19CWC quarter finals!
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) January 17, 2018
To their credit, India have managed to take the pitch out of the equation today #SAvInd
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) January 17, 2018
Superman is at the Centurion, he just isn’t wearing a cape #SAvIND
— Mayanti Langer Binny (@MayantiLanger_B) January 17, 2018
About Hardik Pandya, it will often be said: "but that's the way he plays". And it can't be said that India are going down without intent.
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) January 17, 2018
