Pacer Mohammed Siraj delivered a sensational performance on day one of the second Test at Newlands Cricket Ground, decimating the South African batting line-up with a devastating six-wicket haul. South Africa was bowled out for a mere 55 runs in 23.2 overs during the lunch session.
Siraj capitalized on the movement offered by the pitch, maintaining impeccable lines and lengths during his fiery spell. Bowling nine consecutive overs, he achieved a career-best figure of 6-15. Contributions from Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar, with two wickets each, along with sharp fielding, further compounded South Africa's struggles.
Winning the toss and choosing to bat under clear skies, South Africa quickly found themselves in trouble. Siraj's onslaught began with Aiden Markram's nick to the diving third slip. The plan of attacking Dean Elgar with deliveries on stumps and placing fielders close paid off when Elgar chopped onto his stumps.
Siraj and Bumrah continued to exploit attacking lengths, resulting in the dismissals of debutant Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi. Siraj's fifth wicket came when David Bedingham nicked to the slip cordon. He completed his six-wicket haul by getting Marco Jansen and Kyle Verreynne dismissed in quick succession.
Mukesh Kumar, stepping in for Shardul Thakur, added to South Africa's misery by inducing a catch from Keshav Maharaj. The innings concluded with Nandre Burger's dismissal by Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada's edge to fourth slip off Mukesh Kumar.
South Africa's total of 55 is the lowest against India in Tests and their lowest Test total since 1932, leaving the hosts in a state of disbelief and India jubilant at the remarkable turn of events.
(With Agency Inputs)
