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In the annals of cricketing history, certain performances stand out as extraordinary, leaving spectators in sheer amazement. One such remarkable display unfolded in the second and final Test of the series between India and South Africa in Cape Town, where Mohammed Siraj, the fiery pace bowler from Hyderabad, unleashed a spellbinding performance, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul within a mere eight-over spell.
The collapse of South Africa’s top order
As the sun dawned on the first day of the Test, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. Little did they know that what awaited them was a cricketing spectacle of epic proportions. The Proteas’ top order crumbled like a house of cards, with wickets falling rapidly. Aiden Markram‘s early dismissal set the tone for a cataclysmic collapse as South Africa were already seven wickets down by the time they reached 45 runs, thanks to relentless efforts from Siraj.
The Siraj show
What made this collapse even more breathtaking was the fact that six of those wickets were claimed by the unstoppable Siraj (6/15). The 29-year-old fast bowler showcased a mesmerizing spell, and the statistics themselves narrate the story with a five-wicket haul in just eight overs. Siraj scalped the crucial wickets of Markram, Dean Elgar, Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, the dangerous Marco Jansen and Kyle Verreynne.
Bowling masterclass: Watch all six dismissals from Siraj
Let’s delve into the brilliance of Siraj’s wickets, each one a testament to his skill and precision:
Siraj traps Aiden Markram
Siraj pitched it up around off, inducing Markram to play. The late shape away from the batsman resulted in an outside edge, brilliantly caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal at third slip.
#MohammedSiraj finds the first breakthrough with a beautiful ball shaping away 🤌#AidenMarkram is back in the pavilion!
Tune in to #SAvIND 2nd Test
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/m5RZc3S2Yq— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 3, 2024
The Dean Elgar dismissal
A short-of-length delivery outside off at from Siraj saw Elgar attempting a force through the covers. However, a lack of foot movement led to an inside edge, with the ball crashing onto the stumps.
Knocked ‘em overrrr!
_ ‘
| | /#MohammedSiraj has every reason to celebrate, as he cleverly sets up #DeanElgar and gets the big fish! 💥Tune-in to #SAvIND 2nd Test
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/EGX6XxZsSu— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 3, 2024
Also WATCH: Aamer Jamal’s audacious reverse sweep against Nathan Lyon in AUS vs PAK 3rd Test
Tony de Zorzi gets caught behind
A fullish delivery onto the pads forced de Zorzi to glance it away, only managing to get an inside edge. Rahul moved swiftly to complete a comfortable catch.
There's no stopping @mdsirajofficial today 🔥
The #TeamIndia pacer has his 3rd wicket and the hosts are reduced to 15/4 🤯
Tune-in to #SAvIND 2nd Test
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/5U98xnHMRL— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 3, 2024
David Bedingham and Marco Jansen succumb to Siraj’s elegance
Siraj delivered a ball around off stump that reared up off a good length. Bedingham, trying to defend, popped the ball off the bat shoulder to the slip cordon, with Jaiswal taking a regulation catch.
A magical delivery with lovely shape and length. Jansen, attempting to defend, edged the ball with late movement, leading to a routine catch for Rahul.
Double breakthrough for #TeamIndia!@mdsirajofficial is breathing 🔥 this morning & bags a -fer in just his 8th over!
A sensational spell leaves #SouthAfrica reeling!
Tune in to #SAvIND 2nd Test
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/hpzR8g9wLH— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 3, 2024
Kyle Verreynne edges the ball to second slip
Siraj continued his magical spell with a full ball outside off. Verreynne’s attempt to drive ended up in the hands of a second slip off the outside edge, marking Siraj’s sixth wicket in just his ninth over.