5 most interesting Test matches between India and South Africa

4. First Test in 2006-07 series at Johannesburg:

Having been thrashed 4-0 in the ODI series, a rejuvenated Team India faced the vibrant Proteas in the first-Test of 3-Test series at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, between 15^th and 18^th December, 2006.

India, under the leadership of Rahul Dravid, won the toss and elected to bat.

With an unbeaten half-century (51*, 180m, 101b, 4*4, 1*6) from the bat of Sourav Ganguly, a 89-ball 44 runs (113m, 7*4) by Sachin Tendulkar and a 151-minute patient knock (33, 83b, 5*4) by the skipper Rahul Dravid, enabled India to post 249 runs on the board in their first innings.

Shaun Pollock picked up 4 wickets in his spell of 17.5 overs, giving away 39 runs while Makhaya Ntiti picked up 3 wickets.

A lethal bowling demonstration by Santhakumaran Sreesanth (10-3-40-5) and Zaheer Khan (103-32-2) ably supported by Anil Kumble (2-1-2-2) enabled India to rip through the South African batting line up and restricted them to a paltry 84 runs in the first innings, narrowly escaping a ‘follow-on’ situation.

Only Ashwell Prince (24, 105m, 60b, 2*4) and Andre Nel (22, 50m, 24, 2*4, 1*6) could make any meaningful contribution.

Taking a lead of 165 runs in the first knock, India further consolidated their position by scoring 236 runs in the second innings. VVS Laxman came to the party, scoring 73 runs 253m, 154b, 12*4). Virendra Sehwag (33, 39m, 29b, 6*4) and Zaheer Khan (37, 1-7m, 80b, 3*4, 2*6) added to the tally.

Makhaya Ntini (15.4-2-77-3), Andre Nel 19-4-58-3) and Shaun Pollock (16-4-33-3) equally shared the bowling honours.

Having to chase a target of 402 runs for a victory in seven sessions, South Africa were bundled out for 278 runs, giving India a victory by 123 runs. This was Team India’s first Test victory on South African soil.

Even a hard fought 97 runs (327m, 223b, 11*4) by Ashwell Prince could not take Proteas nearer to the target.

Speedsters Zaheer Khan (22.5-5-79-3), Santhakumaran Sreesanth (25-8-59-3) and the leggie Anil Kumble (20-4-54-3) equally shared the spoils.

For his exemplary efforts with the ball (35-11-99-8), Sreesanth was adjudged the Player of the Match.