SA vs IND, 2nd Test: South Africa vs India, Second Match - Who Said What?

India registered a stunning seven-wicket win over South Africa on Day 2 of the second Test to level the two-match series 1-1. Notably, this marked India's first win at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, which came in the seventh attempt.

In the second game, South Africa's stand-in captain Dean Elgar won the toss and opted to bat first. Their decision backfired as they were bundled out for a mere 55 runs as Mohammed Siraj claimed a phenomenal six-wicket haul. Despite showcasing excellence in bowling, India struggled in their first innings, being bowled out for just 153 runs. For the Proteas, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Nandre Burger claimed three wickets each.

When South Africa battled in the third innings, they could only score 176 runs, setting a target of 79 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of bowlers in the third innings as he finished with figures of 6/61. The visitors then successfully chased down the target despite losing three wickets. 

Here are the talking points of the match:

1. Mohammed Siraj's career-best six-wicket haul

Mohammed Siraj was crucial for India in the second Test where he claimed a career-best six-wicket haul for 15 in the first innings. He went on to pick one more wicket in South Africa's second innings, dismissing centurion Aiden Markram.

2. Jasprit Bumrah picks eight wickets in the second Test

Ace India speedster Jasprit Bumrah picked up a total of eight wickets, two in the first innings and six in the third. He excelled in the first Test as well, grabbing four wickets for 69.

3. Aiden Markram scored sensational Ton

Opening for South Africa, Aiden Markarm scored a majestic ton in their second innings. His 103-ball innings ended at 106 while he hit Mohammed Siraj's delivery high only to find Rohit Sharma at long off.

Losing Captain, Dean Elgar, South Africa said:

A tough one for us. Pretty positive coming into this game. India bowled fantastically and used the conditions. Still a lot of positives for the young players that we have within the side. 2-0 would have been really nice, still managed 1-1, proud of the boys. The way the bowlers bowled in the series and the way Aiden batted in the second innings is something out of the world. (On the pitch) It was a bit of a ripper. Naked eye, it looked like it's going to be a nice one. It played totally different to what everyone thought. We were on the receiving end, big learning curve for us. If you ask Rohit, he'd have batted first. They just out-skilled us in that first session.

Winning captain, Rohit Sharma, India said: 

A great feet. In Centurion, we had to learn from the mistakes. We came back very well, especially our bowlers. Had some plans and the boys got rewarded. We applied ourselves, we batted well to get a 100-run lead, not pleasing to see the last six wickets. We knew that it's going to be a short game, we knew ever run matters, to get that lead was very important. (On Siraj) Very special, something you don;t get to see very often. We spoke about keeping things simple and that's what happened. The pitch did the rest. Lot of credit to Siraj, Bumrah, Mukesh and Prasidh. 

Player of the Match, Mohammed Siraj, India said: 

It's my best figures in Test career. I tried to be consistent and hit the right areas. I wasn't consistent in the previous match and that's why we leaked a lot of runs. Worked hard on consistency and tried to be relentless with my lengths. When we play together, he (Bumrah) gets the message earlier. We try to analyse the wicket quicker. (Message to the fans) Thank you so much, keep supporting.

Player of the Series, Jasprit Bumrah, India said: 

This ground will always hold a special place in my heart. The journey started here, always fond memories. Very happy it went well today. That journey started in 2018 - our bowling unit was experienced and we wanted to make an impact. In India, the spinners do a lot more work. Our team is also going through a transition. Lot of bowlers have been changed, the message is the team, keep fighting. We fought it out in the last game as well. Requires a lot of patience. We are very happy that we were able to do it in this game. I didn't expect the game to go this fast. We wanted to bat first as well. Test cricket gives you surprises. Great series.

Player of the Series, Dean Elgar, South Africa said: 

I would have liked to do more in this game. Still very proud of my performance I had in Centurion. Nice to contribute to a winning cause. Some really tough conditions throughout. It (3-Test series) would have been fantastic. You want to challenge yourself, Bumrah is world-class, he deserves this award. You want to push yourself to limits. Glad that I don;t have to face these guys again. Fond memories. We've come a long way. Very grateful to play against these guys. A lot of good memories, I received it (green cap) in 2012, I have missed only one series. It's got a special place. Only leaves for duty, that's done and dusted.