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After a disheartening loss in the opening Test against South Africa in the 2023-24 season, Team India mounted a stunning comeback in the second Test at Newlands, Cape Town. The turnaround was marked by a dominating performance on Day 1, spearheaded by pacer Mohammed Siraj.
Mohammed Siraj’s spellbinding performance
Facing a daunting task after the first Test defeat, India needed a spectacular display, and Siraj delivered just that. The right-arm pacer exhibited a career-best performance, wreaking havoc on the South African batting order. Siraj’s exceptional spell resulted in South Africa being bundled out for their lowest-ever total against India – a mere 55 runs.
Key contributions and bowling brilliance
Siraj claimed a remarkable 6-wicket haul, conceding only 15 runs. David Bedingham (12) and Kyle Verreynne (15) were the only South African players to reach double digits. Supporting Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (2/25) and Mukesh Kumar (2/0) also made significant contributions, each picking up two wickets.
Also READ: Twitter reactions – Mohammed Siraj’s 6-fer dismantles South Africa for just 55 runs on Day 1 of the Cape Town Test – SA vs IND 2023-24
Lowest all-out totals against India in Test cricket:
55- South Africa in Cape Town, 2024
In a remarkable display of bowling prowess, India restricted South Africa to a mere 55 runs in Cape Town in 2024. The Indian bowlers, led by an outstanding performance from Siraj, dominated the South African batting lineup, showcasing their skill and precision.
62 – New Zealand in Mumbai, 2021
The Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium witnessed a dominant Indian bowling performance in 2021, as New Zealand succumbed to a low total of 62 runs. The Indian team capitalized on favorable conditions and executed their game plan to perfection. Ravichandran Ashwin (4/8) and Siraj (3/19) were the pick of the bowlers for Team India.
79 – South Africa in Nagpur, 2015
In a Test match held in Nagpur in 2015, South Africa found themselves struggling against the Indian bowlers, managing a meager total of 79 runs. The Nagpur pitch proved to be a challenging battleground for the Proteas, and India capitalized on the conditions. Ashwin bagged a 5-fer while Ravindra Jadeja picked up four wickets.
81 – England in Ahmedabad, 2021
The Ahmedabad Test in 2021 witnessed England faltering against the Indian bowlers, posting a total of just 81 runs. India’s spinners, especially, exploited the turning track, leaving the English batters grappling with the challenging conditions. Axar Patel took five wickets while Ashwin bagged four scalps.
82 – Sri Lanka in Chandigarh, 1990
Back in 1990 in Chandigarh, Sri Lanka faced a formidable Indian bowling attack, resulting in a paltry total of 82 runs. The Indian bowlers showcased their dominance, creating significant hurdles for the Sri Lankan batsmen throughout the match. Venkatapathy Raju was the chief destroyer for India as the spin legend took a brilliant 6-wicket haul for 12 runs.
