India set a challenging target for South Africa 240 in Johannesburg to give them a good chance of creating history on South Africa soil and win their maiden Test series. Under-pressure Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane’s half-centuries helped India dominate the first session of Day 3 and set a foundation of good total of 266 on the board.
Pujara added 18 runs to his overnight score and got to his half-century at a slower rate than he scored on Day 2. His 53-run knock included 10 fours. Rahane continued counter-attack from the other end scoring 58 runs off 78 deliveries including eight fours and one six. The 111-run partnership helped India recover from early blows. Kagiso Rabada broke the partnership and sent both of them back to the pavilion in consecutive overs.
Rishabh Pant’s rough patch continued as he got riled up by short leg fielder Rassie van der Dussen and played a rash shot dancing down the wicket. Pant edged one to the wicketkeeper and got out for a three-ball duck to Rabada and increased the pressure on the lower-middle order.
Ravichandran Ashwin looked to score quickly but could add only 16 runs off 14 deliveries before getting out to Lungi Ngidi edging one down the leg side. Shardul Thakur played a crucial cameo too with 28 runs off 24 deliveries. Thakur only dealt in boundaries, hitting five fours and one six during his short stay at the crease.
A patient Hanuma Vihari scored quick runs while batting with the tail. Vihari remained unbeaten for 40 off 84 deliveries. Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami got out for ducks whereas Bumrah contributed with seven runs including a six off Rabada. For South Africa, Rabada, Ngidi and Marco Jansen picked up three wickets each.
South Africa will have to create history in Johannesburg as their highest successful run chase at the venue is 220. On the other hand, Australia have chased down a target over 300 twice at the Wanderers stadium.
