IND vs SA: Rahul's Half-Century and Rabada's 5-44 Drive India to 208/8 as Rain Halts Day 1

KL Rahul showcased resilience with a hard-fought half-century, but Kagiso Rabada's five-wicket haul limited India to 208/8 against South Africa on a rain-affected opening day of the first Test at SuperSport Park.

Rabada exhibited pace and control on a pitch offering variable bounce, claiming 5-44 in a gripping afternoon session. During this period, the hosts secured four wickets while the visitors managed to add 85 runs.

KL Rahul took charge, completing his fifty off 80 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes. Ending the day unbeaten on 70 off 105 deliveries, he provided hope for India to add more runs on the second day. Mohammed Siraj partnered Rahul, yet to open his account.

Batting first after a rain delay, India faced an early setback as captain Rohit Sharma fell to Rabada's short ball, scoring 5. Yashasvi Jaiswal departed after a promising start, scoring 17 off 37 deliveries. Debutant Nandre Burger claimed the wickets of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, the latter departing after a 50-ball vigil for 31 runs.

Despite the setbacks, Virat Kohli and Iyer contributed to a 67-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, Rabada struck again, dismissing Iyer and Kohli in quick succession. Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur provided a brief partnership, but Rabada completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Thakur for 24.

Rahul then took charge, reaching his half-century with an array of well-executed shots. Rain and fading light led to stumps being called, with India at 208/8.

South Africa faced a setback as skipper Temba Bavuma left the field with an injury, with Dean Elgar taking over captaincy duties.

The second day holds the prospect of India building on Rahul's innings and the tail contributing to a competitive total, while South Africa will aim to wrap up the Indian innings swiftly.

(With Agency Inputs)