India vs South Africa second test

The second test match between India and South Africa was played in Cape Town from 3rd Jan 2024 to 4th Jan 2024.

Yes, you read it correctly, it took only 2 days (4 and a half sessions to be more precise) for the test match to complete. The match was completed within 107 overs, the shortest test match in the history of the game. India beat South Africa by 7 wickets, thus levelling the two match series 1–1. This was also a farewell match for Dean Elgar who had earlier announced his retirement from test cricket after the conclusion of the series.

Rohit Sharma presenting signed jersey to Dean Elgar

As It Happened :

South Africa won the toss and chose to bat on day 1 of the match. But first innings was all about Mohammad Siraj who was on fire. He swung the ball beautifully and caused all sorts of trouble to the batsman. He finished with figures of 6/15 in the innings and South Africa were bowled out for just 55 in the first innings before lunch, with 2 wickets a piece going to Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar.

In reply, India started decently and they were cruising at one point with 153/4 with Kohli and Rahul at the crease, threatening to virtually end the match based on first innings lead only. But then something miraculous happened. India went from 153/4 to 153/10 , losing 6 wickets without scoring a single run in just 11 balls, 3 of which went to Lungi Ngidi, 2 to Rabada, and 1 was run out. India finally finished with a lead of 98 runs in first innings. Rarely you would see a batting collapse like this and South Africa roared back into the game.

Also Read : Pitch discussion of second test

South Africa began their second innings in much better way but this time, it was Jasprit Bumrah who was the chief destructor this time, bagging 6 wickets and South Africa were bundled out for 176 runs. Markram scored a brilliant 106 runs of just 103 balls, probably his one of the best test innings.

With a target of just 79 runs, India went on attacking mode and reached the target in just 12 overs, losing 3 wickets in the process and sealing the victory with 7 wickets, thus not only equaling the series but also earning very important World Test Championship points. This was also the first time India won a test match in Cape Town. 

Rohit Sharma and Dean Elgar sharing the trophy

However, it was really disappointing to see the test series end in just two matches. Fans as well as players would have loved to watch the 3rd match of this exciting series and this was kind of a bitter sweet end of the series with the trophy being shared by both the teams. India jumped to no 1 position in the world test championship points table after the conclusion of this match. This marked the end of the India's tour to South Africa 2023-24 with t20i series being tied at 1-1 and odi series going to India by 2-1 margin.