Twitter Reaction: Keegan Petersen shines for South Africa as India's final frontier remains unconquered

The final frontier remains unconquered for India as South Africa walk away with a seven-wicket triumph in the third and deciding Test in Cape Town. It was indeed a fascinating contest as the game proceeded like a rollercoaster. In fact, India looked in a better position after earning a 13-run lead in the first innings. However, Keegan Petersen’s magnificent show meant the hosts chased down 212 on a tricky Cape Town track to win the series 2-1.

Notably, South Africa were 101/2 at stumps on Day 3, needing 111 more runs to win. While the Proteas side was definitely in command at this command, their victory didn’t look certain as skipper Dean Elgar was back in the hunt. Moreover, South Africa’s middle-order hadn’t clicked in the series. Hence, Indian pacers must have backed themselves to inflict a batting collapse.

Keegan Petersen continued tormenting Indian bowlers

However, Keegan Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen stood tall like a rock, knocking India out of the contest. Some mishaps in fielding also helped the home team. However, nothing can be taken away from the Proteas team, which batted magnificently on a deteriorating Newlands pitch. While Petersen fell prey to Shardul Thakur while batting at 82, his dismissal didn’t have much impact in the game.

Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma remained unbeaten on 41 and 32 respectively, making sure there’s no twist in the tale. Needless to mention, the scenes at Newlands were priceless as a young and inexperienced South Africa thrashed a confident Indian team.

For the unversed, South Africa is the only nation where India are yet to record a Test series win. As the current Proteas side had been struggling in the longest format, many backed the Virat Kohli-led side to upset Dean Elgar’s men in the rainbow nation. India’s series triumph looked even more inevitable after they won the first Test by 113 runs.

Moreover, Quinton de Kock shockingly announced his retirement from the longest format, leaving a massive void in South Africa’s batting line-up. Amid all the odds, the Proteas side fought back and won the next two games, extending India’s wait for a Test series win in South Africa.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitter reacted to South Africa’s sensational series triumph: