India register historic win at the Centurion against South Africa

For the third time in a glorious year of Indian cricket, India breached another heavily bedecked fortress on the road with a stunning victory over South Africa in the first Test of the Freedom Trophy 2021-22.

Despite the second day of the Test getting completely washed out, India still managed to clock ample time to dismiss South Africa twice in a span of three days.

It all started with a rollicking partnership between KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal on Day One where the latter rode on some ODI-esque belligerence to set the tone for India taking charge.

Despite a good start to the day, India were faced with an unprecedented scare, as Mayank Agarwal and Pujara departed in a span of two consecutive deliveries. The captain came out to the middle and resumed the responsibility of an overhaul alongside a persistent KL Rahul as India navigated the South African bowlers pretty comfortably until that extent.

Much to the woes of the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli's nightmare outside the off-stump continued with Lungi Ngidi doing a number on the Indian run-machine this time.

With the deja-vu of Indian middle-order collapses looming on the near horizon, Ajinkya Rahane played an imperative knock of 48 crucial runs that helped India to stabilize proceedings and gave Rahul the much-needed time to complete his brilliant century that featured a few exquisite strokes.

However, once the duo were removed in the wee hours of Day 3, things took a dramatic turn for India. From a formidable score of 272 for the loss of 3, India was all out for 327.

The Indian fast-bowling quartet struck back with venom as Bumrah, Shami and Siraj dealt four deafening blows to the hosts with the scorecard reading 32 for the loss of 4.

An experienced Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma waged a full-blown display of resistance as it took India a good deal of digging to snuff out the stand of 72 runs.

Despite small shards of resistance posted by the hosts, the Indian fast bowling department, spearheaded by Mohammed Shami was splaying the South African batting unit at will.

Shami claimed a crucial fifer that bundled out the hosts for a paltry 197, securing a lead of 130 for India in the opening innings.

India couldn't gather enough tempo in the second innings with Rishabh Pant being the highest scorer with 34 runs out of the 174 that India could post.

With a mountain to climb, the hosts were teetering dangerously along the fringes of defeat, as Bumrah dealt them a double whammy late in the day after Dean Elgar negotiated the Indian fast bowling storm adeptly.

The hellish duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami plundered 6 wickets between them, with Siraj and Ashwin moping up the remainder of the South African resistance.

As Ngidi was dismissed for a golden duck, India bagged another historic victory in the hostile pastures of South Africa.

South African captain, Dean Elgar said in the presentation ceremony, "Obviously not a nice thing knowing we lost a Test here. Did a few things wrong. Lot of positives coming out that we can use in the next two. Always the nature here. Always going to be tough because the wicket's playing slower (first morning). Indian openers did the fundamentals right."

"We didn't quite execute the lengths well. After some good chats our bowlers executed the lengths and restricted India to what we thought was a par score. New ball is something you have to get through playing here. Can't emphasise enough on the hard work our bowlers put in to get 20 wickets. Our batters let us down. I'd say the batting was the difference between the two sides. We'll have a little sit-down with myself and the management to strategise. Didn't do a lot of wrong things. Not all doom and gloom for us. We thrive under the pressure which is a positive for us."

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper said, "Got off to the perfect start. Have to understand one day was washed out - shows how well we played. It's always a difficult place to play against SA (Centurion). The discipline that the batters showed. Winning the toss, batting first overseas is a tough challenge. Credit to Mayank and KL the way they set it up. We knew we were in pole position with anything over 300-320. Knew the bowlers will do the job. Spoke about it in the change room - the fact he didn't bowl much in the first innings, it allowed SA to get around 40 more runs (Bumrah). Just the way these guys bowl together has been a hallmark of our team getting a result in difficult situations. Absolutely world class talent (Shami). For me he's in the best three seamers in the world at the moment. His strong wrist, his seam position and his ability to hit a length consistently. Got so much confidence out of Johannesburg last time. It's a ground we love playing at."

KL Rahul, the centurion in the first innings, who was also adjudged as the man of the match, cited, "The grit and determination - really wanted to get my team off to a good start. On a challenging pitch the opening partnership is crucial. Really happy with my performance. Don't think I've made too many technical changes. It's about my mindset, how calm and disciplined I am. It's all coming nicely now. Discipline I've shown has been the biggest contribution for me in performing away from home. It's something I'm proud of (his overseas hundreds). Kept us on the park a little lesser (Shami). Fast bowling unit have shown a lot of heart, not just today but the last few years. Happy with the way Shami bowled and the way other guys chipped in as well. Shami gets the ball to do a little bit extra as Virat said. Very very special coming to SA. This win gives us a lot of confidence. Want to keep getting better as individuals and try to win another Test in few days time."

India will be reaching Wanderers for the second Test to begin 2022 with hope of a win and establish their fast bowling posse as one of the most formidable tormenting units of the world.