After the Indian cricket team concluded their tour of South Africa by registering a seven-wicket victory in the second Test match, thereby leveling the series at 1-1.
Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, who collectively claimed 15 wickets in the match inspired the visitors to victory.
The win not only boosted India’s standing in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table but also resulted in the Proteas losing out on their top spot. With this victory, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side has ascended to the top spot, amassing 54.16 percentage points, while South Africa has dropped to the second spot with 50 percentage points. Consequently, Pakistan, who held the fifth position earlier, has slipped to the sixth position, now standing at 45.83 percentage points.
WTC Points Table…!!!
India is now No.1 Ranked team. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/4jQNdJkhOl
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 4, 2024
Incredible Comeback
India secured a seven-wicket victory against South Africa, resulting in both teams sharing the series honors, as the second Test concluded within five sessions in Cape Town on Thursday.
India, despite losing the first Test in Centurion by an innings and 32 runs, staged a remarkable comeback during their visit.
The exceptional performance by fast bowler Bumrah led to India dismissing South Africa for 176 runs, setting a target of 79 for themselves. Aiden Markram’s aggressive innings of 106 off 103 balls before Lunch provided some resistance for the hosts.
During the second session, India successfully chased down the target, with skipper Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer remaining unbeaten on 17 and 4 runs respectively.
This Test match set a record for being the shortest ever in terms of overs bowled, surpassing the previous record set during the Australia-South Africa match at the MCG in 1932. A total of 106.2 overs were bowled throughout the match.
Bumrah showcased excellent bowling skills, especially considering the challenging conditions on the Newlands surface, which displayed inconsistent bounce and witnessed a remarkable 23 wickets falling on the opening day of play.
Team India’s next Test assignment would be a 5-match series against England, starting January 25.
Also Read:Gone In 5 Sessions! India Vs South Africa 2nd Test Etched In Test Cricket History Books
