Day 2 of the inaugural Test match of India vs South Africa faced a delayed start at the SuperSport Park due to light rain. The interruption came after a rain-marred Day 1, where only 59 overs were bowled, and India finished at 208/8. Play resumed on Day 2 at 1:55 pm IST (10:25 am local time) after the drizzle subsided.
On the previous day, South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada showcased his prowess, claiming a five-wicket haul (5-44), marking his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Amidst the drama, India’s wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul emerged as the standout performer, crafting an unbeaten 70 off 105 balls, featuring ten fours and two sixes.
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Batting in the middle order in Tests for only the second time in nine years, Rahul displayed a blend of caution and aggression, countering the bounce and swing while capitalizing on loose deliveries. Rabada made early breakthroughs, dismissing Rohit Sharma (5) and inducing edges from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, reducing India to 26/3.
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Virat Kohli (38) and Shreyas Iyer (31) then steadied the ship, adding 68 runs for the fourth wicket, benefiting from early dropped catches. After lunch, Rabada struck again, removing Kohli, Iyer, and Ravichandran Ashwin in quick succession. KL Rahul then took charge, forming a crucial partnership of 43 runs for the seventh wicket with Shardul Thakur (24).
Thakur, who endured body blows, fell victim to Rabada, while Marco Jansen dismissed Jasprit Bumrah. KL Rahul’s resilient innings kept India’s hopes alive, ensuring a respectable total beyond the 200-run mark.
–IANS
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