NEW DELHI: Seamer
Mohammed Siraj
delivered a career-defining performance, claiming an outstanding 6-15 as India capitalised on a lively wicket to dismantle
South Africa
's batting line-up.
The visiting side successfully bowled out the hosts for a mere 55 runs, accomplishing the feat on the brink of lunch during the opening day of the second Test at
Newlands
in Cape Town on Wednesday.
Siraj, who did it in a straight spell of nine overs, was ably supported by
Jasprit Bumrah
(2-25) and
Mukesh Kumar
(2-0) as Indian pacers wreaked havoc after South African skipper
Dean Elgar
opted to bat in his swansong Test.
Here is how the Indian pacers ripped apart South African batting in the first session of the second and final Test:
SA 5/1 in 3.2 overs: Siraj quickly zeroed in on the perfect line, executing a precise delivery that resulted in Aiden Markram's (2) dismissal, giving India its first breakthrough. Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased sharp fielding skills, securing the catch at third slip.
SA 8/2 in 5.3 overs: Returning just one over later, Siraj continued his impressive spell by dismissing Proteas skipper Elgar (4). In a poignant moment, Elgar, playing in his final Test before retirement, ended up chopping the ball onto his stumps, succumbing to Siraj's relentless bowling prowess.
SA 11/3 in 8.3 overs: Bumrah enthusiastically joined the triumphant display as he skillfully had debutant Tristan Stubbs (3) caught at short leg, adding another wicket to India's dominant performance.
SA 15/4 in 9.2 overs: Tony de Zorzi (2), who became Siraj's third victim, experienced a challenging moment as he was caught by wicketkeeper KL Rahul in a strangle down the legside off Siraj's skillful delivery.
SA 34/5 in 15.2 overs: David Bedingham (12) stood out as the one batsman displaying composure at the wicket, but his resilience was tested when he misjudged a Siraj delivery that unexpectedly leapt off the surface. Bedingham's knock came to an end after Jaiswal swiftly caught him, showcasing the unpredictability and difficulty of Siraj's bowling abilities.
SA 34/6 in 15.5 overs: Marco Jansen found himself on the wrong end of Siraj's prowess as he edged a delivery, resulting in the seamer claiming his fifth scalp of the innings. This was Siraj's first five-wicket haul in South Africa and third overall.
SA 45/7 in 17.5 overs: Top scorer Kyle Verreynne (15) became Siraj's sixth victim in his ninth over. The relentless display of skill and accuracy by Siraj left an indelible mark on the Proteas' batting lineup, showcasing his exceptional performance in the match.
SA 46/8 in 19.6 overs: Seamer Mukesh, who came in for Shardul Thakur, celebrated his first wicket of the match as he dismissed Keshav Maharaj (3), marking a significant breakthrough for the bowler.
(Reuters Photo)
SA 55/9 in 22.6 overs: Nandre Burger found himself on the wrong side of a skillful delivery from Bumrah, resulting in a nick at third slip to Jaiswal, who held a sharp catch. The precision and control demonstrated by Bumrah in this delivery added another wicket to India's tally.
SA 55/10 in 23.2 overs: Mukesh ended the South African innings by inducing Kagiso Rabada to edge a delivery to fourth slip. Team India was ecstatic about this final wicket, while South Africa was astounded by the potency of the Indian bowling attack.
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