The visiting team India is in a stronger position than the host South Africa In the first of a three-match Test series. India will need to take another six wickets in order to win the first match. Oppositely, South Africa need 211 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Given the present situation, day 5 looks to be a nail-biter. However, India have a better chance than their counterpart since the last day’s pitch is more likely to favor bowlers than batters. Let’s have a look at the scenario for the first Test match between South Africa and India.
SA vs IND 1st Test 2021: Match Scenario
India have never won a Test series against the Proteas national team in South Africa. In reality, India have only won 3 of its 20 Test matches in South Africa. In addition, India had to wait 14 years and four series to win a Test match against South Africa away from home. However, the current Indian Test setup, in which the Virat Kohli-led team has won at least one away Test series against almost every Test nation, makes them a clear favorite against a revamped South African team. Therefore, the current series might be historic for India, and they are on track to win the first Test if the bowling unit performs well on day 5.
South Africa scored 94/4 (40.5) at the end of day 4 while chasing 305 runs. The South African captain, Dean Elgar has batted with caution. He is unbeaten on 52* in 122 balls and has shown a lot of confidence in his technique against an impressive Indian bowling attack. Elgar would have to bat deep if South Africa wanted to seal the match against India.
India Crumble in the Second Innings
The Indian campaign seemed optimistic after achieving a 130-run lead in the first innings. It appeared India had a strategy to set a 400-run target for South Africa when they came to play in their second innings. However, South African bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen all came out with a better strategy in the second innings. They put Indian batters under strain with brilliant accuracy and took wickets at regular intervals.
Virat Kohli failed to live up to expectations once again, he was dismissed for only 18 runs. Meanwhile, first innings centurion KL Rahul made 23 runs.
When India were down to 111/6, they changed their approach and began attacking the Proteas bowlers for quick runs. India’s best scorer was Rishab Pant in the second innings, who made 34 off 34 balls. Oppositely, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen each got four wickets, while Lungi Ngidi grabbed two.
Verdict
Indian team, without a doubt, is in the front, but the South African side has a decent chance of winning. The Centurion pitch will be even more difficult to bat on day 5 as the cracks open up. So, surviving on the last day would be a huge test for the remainder of the Proteas batters. Opener Dean Elgar will have to shoulder most of the pressure if South Africa want to win the series opener. However, one thing is certain: there will be a result at the end of the match if rain does not intervene on the fifth day.
SOURCE: UNITED NEWS OF BANGLADESH