Chasing a tricky target of 240, South Africa walked out in the middle with positive intent. The hosts lost just two wickets and scored nearly half of runs they need to register their first Test win in Johannesburg against India.
South Africa got off to a flier with Aiden Markram hitting boundaries with the new ball. Jasprit Bumrah’s angled-in deliveries did not have an effect on Markram as he put the pressure on visitors by scoring quickly. Once again, it was Shardul Thakur who disrupted Markram’s rhythm with back-to-back appeals and eventually trapping him in front of the wickets with a brilliant in-swinger. The Proteas opener scored 31 runs off 38 deliveries in the 47-run opening partnership.
Keegan Petersen continued his good form and stitched a crucial partnership with Elgar. Petersen scored 28 runs off 44 deliveries before Ravichandran Ashwin got him out leg before wicket. The two shared a 46-run stand for the second wicket. Rassie van der Dussen took his time in the middle and did not allow India run away with the game by taking a cluster of wickets.
Elgar remained solid in the middle and endured a few blows to the body. He remained unbeaten for 46 at the end of day’s play. He played 121 deliveries in his patient knock and hit two boundaries. Dussen walked off the field with 11 runs off 33 deliveries. South Africa are in good position to win the match with scoreboard reading 118/2 from 40 overs.
Day 4 weather forecast
If South Africa don’t suffer a batting collapse on Day 4 of the second Test, it will be their highest successful chase at the venue. Their previous highest run chase (220/6) at the Wanderers stadium came against New Zealand in May 2006. Also, the rain forecast for the next two days does not look promising. Overcast conditions may help Indian seamers on Day 4 which may bring them back in the game.
India's counter-attack
Earlier, India were bundled out for 266 in the first innings. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane continued the counter-attack and reached their respective half-centuries despite being under immense pressure due to inconsistent run of late. Hanuma Vihari's unbeaten 40 and cameos from Thakur (28) and Ashwin (16) helped India get the lead past 200. For hosts, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen picked up three wickets each.
