Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian men’s cricket team suffered a crushing defeat against South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion, in the first Test match, losing by an innings and 32 runs. Despite Virat Kohli’s resilient 76-run innings, the Indian team couldn’t overcome the Proteas’ dominant performance. Debutant Nandre Burger emerged as a standout performer for South Africa, claiming four wickets in India’s second innings.
After conceding a 163-run lead in the first innings, the Indian batting lineup, with the exception of Kohli and Shubman Gill (26), failed to offer significant resistance and was bundled out for a mere 131 in 34.1 overs. Kohli, hitting 12 fours and a six during his 82-ball stay, received minimal support from other batsmen.
South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Burger, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, proved too formidable for the Indian top-order. Rohit Sharma (0) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) fell cheaply for the second time in the match, while Shubman Gill succumbed to an irresponsible shot after a promising start.
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In the final session, the downfall continued for India as Shreyas Iyer (6) and first-innings centurion KL Rahul (4) also registered single-digit scores. Despite Kohli’s efforts to keep the scoreboard ticking, Jansen ultimately dismissed him for 76, sealing the victory for South Africa. With this defeat, India’s hopes of winning their maiden Test series on South African soil were shattered, and the hosts secured an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The next game is scheduled to begin on January 3.
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