Internet Desk: After a rain spoiled the third day India needed a great performance from the bowlers to restrict the hosts from scoring big runs in the second innings at Newlands. India did it as Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah led the proceedings for team India and restricted South Africa to just 130. It was just 208 to win for India but, the men in blue collapsed in just 135 and fall 72 runs short of the target.
This performance from the bowlers gave the momentum back to India but, they failed to capitalize it as the hosts came back strongly to claim the match. 208 runs looked a big total when India came to bat. Especially after skipper Kohli got out and they lost two more wickets in quick succession as Rohit Sharma and debutant Hardik Pandya, who batted well in the first innings got out. Indian batsmen failed to read the swinging deliveries from the Proteas. Murali Vijay got his lives twice as DRS saved him but failed to capitalize the opportunity.
Philander among the star performer for the hosts as he got six wickets. This bowling will definitely boost South Africa as the star bowler Dale Steyn will miss the series for his injury. Hosts used reverse swing very well to get rid of top-order Indian batsmen.
World’s no.1 test team with a great batting lineup collapsed and again failed to perform in South Africa as India didn’t win a test series for last 25 years.It will not be too easy for the team India to claim the series especially after being 1-0 down in a three-match test series in South Africa.