South Africa vs India: Test Records and Stats at Newlands, Cape Town

South Africa (SA) crushed India (IND) by an innings and 32 runs in the first Test of the Freedom Series at SuperSport Park, Centurion, thereby setting the stage for a thrilling series decided in Newlands, Cape Town. Notably, the final Test will begin on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Speaking of the hosts, Kagiso Rabada's blistering 5/59 in the first innings laid the foundation, while Dean Elgar's marathon knock was studded with 28 boundaries, helping his side build a significant lead. In the third innings, Nandre Burger's fiery spell of 4/33 and Marco Jansen's clinical 3/36 bowled out India, ensuring a dominant victory for the Proteas 

South Africa won the toss and elected to field first. India managed to post 245/10 in 67.4 overs, thanks to a brilliant century from KL Rahul (101 off 137) and contributions from Virat Kohli (38) and Shreyas Iyer (31). Kagiso Rabada was the star bowler for South Africa who was ably supported by debutant Nandre Burger, along with Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, respectively, who claimed a wicket apiece. talking of the first Test, after winning the toss, South Africa opted to field first and restricted India to 245/10 in 67.4 overs.

For the visiting side, KL Rahul's magnificent century (101 off 137) was the highlight of the Indian innings, with vital contributions from Virat Kohli (38) and Shreyas Iyer (31). Veteran pacer Kagiso Rabada led the South African bowling attack with a stunning five-wicket haul (5/59), ably supported by Nandre Burger (3/50) and Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee with a wicket each.

In reply, South Africa dominated from the start, piling up a mammoth 408. Dean Elgar, in his farewell Test series, marked the occasion with a majestic century (185 off 287) David Bedingham (56) and Marco Jansen (84) provided valuable support, ensuring a lead of 163 runs. Team India's second innings started rather disastrously, with skipper Rohit Sharma falling for a duck. Only Virat Kohli managed to put up a fighting knock of 76, as the rest of the batting line-up crumbled cheaply.

Nandre Burger (4/33) and Marco Jansen (3/36) ripped through the Indian batting order, with Kagiso Rabada chipping in with two wickets. South Africa eventually dismissed India for 131, sealing a memorable victory. Dean Elgar, for his match-winning century, was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match trophy. This dominating win meant that South Africa have gained a crucial 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

South Africa have a strong record at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, winning 27 of their 59 matches played there (55.08% win rate). They have also drawn 11 games and lost 21. Notably, against India specifically, the home side has dominated in Cape Town, winning four out of six encounters, with the other two matches ending in draws.

Also check: SA vs IND Live Score, 2nd Test

SA vs IND Test Head-to-Head Record

The two teams have faced each other in 43 Tests, with Team India winning 15, South Africa 18 times, and 10 matches ending in draws. In South Africa, the Proteas have won 13 out of 24 matches, while India has won only four. The remaining seven matches have ended in a draw.
 

Test records and stats at Newlands, Cape Town

In 59 matches played at the venue, pace bowlers have claimed 1160 wickets at an average of 29.91, while spinners have accounted for 523 wickets at an average of 33.71. Winning the toss and choosing to bat second has proven advantageous, with 25 victories compared to 23 for teams batting first, and 11 draws. 
 

SA vs IND Player Battles to Watch Out For

Rohit Sharma against Kagiso Rabada:

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma has struggled against Kagiso Rabada in Tests, managing just 104 runs in 11 innings and falling victim to his bowling seven times. The upcoming battle will be fascinating to watch, with Rohit needing to find a way to break free from Rabada's dominance.

Dean Elgar vs Jasprit Bumrah:

Stand-in South Africa skipper Dean Elgar has struggled against Bumrah in Tests. He has managed to score just 139 runs in 12 innings, as Bumrah has remarkably sent him back to the pavilion on four occasions. Their next encounter will be a battle worth watching. 

X-factors for South Africa vs India 

India:

Virat Kohli could be the X-factor for India in the upcoming Cape Town Test against South Africa. He has an impressive track record against the Proteas in Test cricket, with 1'350 runs at an average of 56.25. This tally includes five half-centuries and three centuries. Notably, in South Africa itself, Kohli has scored 833 runs at an average of 52.06, with four half-centuries and two centuries. These stats highlight his ability to perform well against South Africa, especially in their home conditions. 

South Africa:

Dean Elgar will be a crucial player for South Africa in the second and final game of the series against India in Cape Town. His magnificent century of 186 in the previous game, laced with 28 fours, was a testament to his talent and experience. He has also accumulated 996 runs against India at an impressive average of 44.54, including two centuries and four half-centuries. Elgar is eager to carry this impressive form into his final Test match and contribute to another South African victory. 

India vs South Africa Predicted Playing XI

South Africa:

Dean Elgar(c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger 

India:

Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar