India captain Rohit Sharma on January 4 achieved a significant milestone, joining former captain MS Dhoni in a unique record. Sharma became only the second Indian captain to draw a Test series in South Africa, a feat highlighting his effective leadership and strategic acumen. Furthermore, Rohit became the only Indian captain to win a Test match at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.
The series was marked by a remarkable turnaround following India's heavy defeat in the first Test match at Centurion. In the subsequent match at the challenging Cape Town pitch, India's cricketing prowess came to the forefront. The Indian bowlers, exhibiting exceptional skill, first dismantled the South African batting lineup by bowling them out for a mere 55 runs in their first innings. This remarkable performance was spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj, who played a pivotal role in collapsing Dean Elgar's side within the first session of Day 1.
India’s response with the bat started promisingly, reaching 153 for 4 at one stage. However, the innings witnessed a sudden and dramatic collapse, with the team losing its last six wickets without adding to the score, ending their innings at 153.
In their second innings, South Africa managed to put up a score of 176, largely thanks to a brilliant knock of 196 by Aiden Markram. Set a target of 79 runs, the Indian team approached the chase with urgency and efficiently achieved the total in just 12 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.
This victory in Cape Town was not just a standalone achievement for Rohit as a captain; it also marked the end of India's losing streak in Test matches against SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries away from home. The streak, which started in the 2021/22 season, included two consecutive losses against South Africa, followed by defeats against England, Australia (in the World Test Championship Final), and another loss in the first match of the current series against South Africa at Centurion.
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