The sun-drenched Centurion stadium bore witness to an exhilarating clash between cricketing titans South Africa and India on the second day of the Boxing Day Test . It was a day that unfolded with a display of skill, determination, and resilience, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
KL Rahul’s masterclass rescues India
Starting the day at 208 for 8, India were in a precarious position when KL Rahul resumed his innings at 70 runs. What followed was nothing short of a masterclass in batting as the right-handed batter went on to slam a sensational ton.
Rahul’s eighth Test century not only salvaged India’s innings but propelled them to a competitive total of 245. His innings showcased not only his remarkable skill but also his ability to anchor the innings and form crucial partnerships with the lower-order batters.
Dean Elgar shines as South Africa strengthens control
As India’s innings concluded, South Africa faced the daunting task of closing down on visitor’s total. The Proteas, however, encountered early troubles with the loss of Aiden Markram. Yet, Elgar and Tony de Zorzi stepped up to the challenge, building a solid 93-run partnership.
Elgar’s innings was nothing short of sensational as he hammered a brilliant century, ably supported by David Bedingham‘s gritty 56. The South African innings closed at 256-5, giving them an 11-run lead and ending the day on a positive note.
Also WATCH: Overjoyed Virat Kohli comes up with a heartwarming reaction to KL Rahul’s brilliant ton in Centurion Test
Bowling Brilliance: Bumrah and Siraj
Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the bowling star for India, providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs when the game seemed to slip away. Bumrah claimed two wickets, well complemented by Mohammed Siraj, who also scalped two. The duo’s performance injected hope into India’s camp, showcasing their ability to fight back against a formidable South African batting lineup.
With a lead in hand, South Africa will be eyeing to extend their advantage on Day 3. Elgar’s sensational century has set the stage, and the Proteas will aim to build a substantial lead against the Indian side. On the other side, India will be eager to bundle out the Proteas as early as possible in the morning session.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Nothing but respect for the way this man plays his cricket. Almost single-handedly took his team into the lead. He sure loves batting against India. #SAvIND #DeanElgar pic.twitter.com/aGlPymvqF8
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 27, 2023
I have a lot of admiration for Dean Elgar. I like grit a little more than I like style.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 27, 2023
Determination , grit and belief. Take a bow Dean Elgar. Knowing him well he will be in no mood to give up and will carry on and on and on.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) December 27, 2023
It’s Dean Elgar vs India at the moment. He has saved his best for the end! pic.twitter.com/XYE7q33lL4
— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) December 27, 2023
– Farewell Test series.
– Scoring a century.
– Jumping and celebrating it.David Warner 🤝 Dean Elgar. pic.twitter.com/FypdnRLStl
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 27, 2023
Dean Elgar is the first South African batter to score a Test hundred against India in South Africa after 9 long years. pic.twitter.com/pA8k8Y65um
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 27, 2023
Well played @klrahul 💯 Outstanding knock in tough batting conditions! 🇮🇳 #INDvsSA
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 27, 2023
Let your bat do the talking @klrahul 💯👏👏 #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/SYELwF8pGM
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 27, 2023
There is Jasprit Bumrah. There is daylight. Then there is the rest. pic.twitter.com/bl07tLRZol
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) December 27, 2023
Jasprit Bumrah is easily the Greatest Indian fast bowler ever.
Guy didn’t get the hype in the world cup, but he’s always been the top bowler of India. #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/HT14UrW4nj
— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) December 27, 2023
Another early finish today, as Day 2 also ends due to bad light. 🌫
Some crucial wickets in the final session ensures 🇿🇦 aren’t ahead by too much! 💪#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/pgHGswEacW
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 27, 2023