Bowlers shine to keep India in control against South Africa

CENTURION: Indian bowlers annihilated South Africa’s batting line-up; dismissing them for 197 before India collapsed on 327 on the third day of the first Test.

India’s Mohammad Shami took five-fer to dismantle the Proteas batting line-up. The hosts bowled out for a paltry 197 in the first innings, in response to India’s 327.

South Africa, started off poorly with the bat; losing their first four wickets for just 32 runs. However, Temba Bavuma and the wicket-keeper batter, Quinton de Kock showed fightback. The pair added a brilliant 72-runs partnership, but, de Kock fell short. The left-handed batter departed after scoring 34.

The hosts then ran into a collapse; slipping from 104/4 to 197 all-out. Bavuma, who put on a magnificent half-century, also fell victim to the Indian bowling star – Mohammed Shami, who forced the batter to nick the ball into the hands of the keeper. He scored 52, including 10 boundaries.

For India, Shami starred picking up five wickets for 44, while Shardul Thakur and Jasprit Bumrah each took two wickets. Mohammed Siraj, on the other hand, claimed one wicket.

India, started their second inning with a 130-runs, also halted by a poor start, as their opener Mayank Agarwal departed after scoring just four. Last inning centurion – KL Rahul (5*) and the nightwatchman Thakur (4*) will now resume the proceedings for the touring side at 16/1 on the fourth day.

In the first session of the third day, India resumed at an overnight score of 272/3, collapsed, and were bowled out for 327. The side only managed to add just 55 runs for the loss of remaining seven wickets.

Rahul remained the top-scorer for the side in the first innings, with his terrific 123.

For the Proteas, Lungi Ngidi bagged six wickets, while Kagiso Rabada picked three. Marco Jansen, on the other hand, picked one wicket.

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