South Africa v India, 1st Test, Day 2 - 5 Talking Points

Despite Hardik Pandya‘s mind-boggling effort to keep India in the game, one cannot disregard a fact that the Proteas are ahead at this point. South Africa finished day 2 at 65 losing both the openers, but most importantly, they have a 142-run overall lead. Their fast bowling quartet did a sensational job and if it had not been for Pandya, India would’ve been miles away from the game.

Continuing at 28/3, Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara fought bravely in the first hour. But unfortunately, Rohit Sharma was sent back by Rabada after his 59-ball 11 run struggle. Ravichandran Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha fell in quick succession, but the biggest blow for India was Cheteshwar Pujara’s departure.

At 91/7, they were on the verge of facing humiliation. Something miraculous had to happen to save them and Hardik Pandya turned out to be that miracle. His 95-ball 93 helped India post 209 runs on board. Before the end of day’s play, he also picked up two wickets to add more glory to his memorable outing.

Here are the five talking points of the day.

1. Hardik Pandya – The Savior of the masses!

From that knock in the Champions Trophy final to this rendition at Cape Town, Pandya clearly loves big moments. Extra pressure makes him all the more destructive and this innings might just earn him a permanent place in the side till the World Cup. If it had not been for him, India would’ve conceded a 170+ run lead.

After that blazing knock, he chipped in with two crucial wickets as well. Firstly, he dismissed Aiden Markram, who was looking dangerous. Just a few overs before stumps, he removed Dean Elgar out of the equation to keep India just about in the game.

2. The partnership that kept the game alive

At 92/7, the game seemed to be tilting completely into South Africa‘s favor. But Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have been contributing extensively with bat and ball these days, once again stepped up. The duo added 99 runs for the 8th wicket and helped India post a respectable total. The way Bhuvneshwar Kumar adapted to the track was a tight slap for the Indian top order.

3. The Quartet at its breathtaking best!

Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander, and Dale Steyn, any team would be horrified to face such a quartet. But the way all these bowlers collaborated on Saturday was terrific to watch. Philander and Rabada returned with three wickets each, whereas Morkel and Steyn picked up braces. Everyone bowled in good rhythm and if this continues, India will have a very hard time to even draw level blood in the series.

4. Year changes, Fate changes!

This is way too early to say anything, but clearly, Dean Elgar is off to a horrendous start in 2018. After finishing 2017 as the second highest run-scorer in Tests, he played two forgettable knocks and even spilled a dolly at Gully off Hardik Pandya. Pandya didn’t settle in well by then and this drop catch paved way for one of the finest innings played on their soil by an Indian batter.

5. Result – guarenteed!

One thing is absolutely certain after what happened on day 2. A result in this game is more than guarenteed, given the rain gods show some mercy on the fans. Both the teams have completed their first innings inside two days and the Proteas already lost two wickets in their second innings. A draw has gone out of contention and a result, mostly in South Africa’s favor, is on cards as it stands.