Captain Dean Elgar hit a superb 96* to guide South Africa to an emphatic seven-wicket win in the second Test against India at the Wanderers, which levels the three-match series at 1-1.
What had been expected to be a tense chase on the fourth day became a comfortable win for the home side after rain delayed the start of play by almost six hours.
When play did get under way after tea it was under heavily overcast skies with the floodlights on.
Resuming at 118-2 in pursuit of a target of 240, Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen added 57 runs in the first hour before Van der Dussen was caught behind off Mohammed Shami for 40. The pair had put on 82 for the third wicket.
Temba Bavuma gave a caught and bowled chance to Shardul Thakur before he had scored but then batted solidly to make 23* and stay with Elgar until the end.
The captain was not quite able to complete his century but hit the winning runs with a flick for four off Ravichandran Ashwin.
𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 🤝
Dean Elgar plays a captain’s knock of 96* to lead South Africa to a 7-wicket victory, their first over India at the Wanderers.
We’ve got ourselves a 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧 in Cape Town next week 🍿 pic.twitter.com/DQzPyWoUz0
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) January 6, 2022
👀 “There was a bit of a spark in the dressing room that was needed. There were fair words that were said and I think KG has taken it on board.”
Mark Boucher explains the ‘behind the scenes’ issue that Dean Elgar alluded to regarding Kagiso Rabada. pic.twitter.com/PlCNZEltm7
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) January 6, 2022
🗣️ “Those knocks that I take make me extra motivated to perform, Some will call it stupid, some will call it brave. It’s something I’m immensely proud of, playing for the Proteas.”
A thoroughly deserved man of the match award for captain 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙀𝙡𝙜𝙖𝙧 👏
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) January 6, 2022
All five Proteas batsmen contribute towards South Africa claiming their highest successful run chase at the Bull Ring and the third in history at this ground 🇿🇦🇮🇳#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/WAEAkRWeuj
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) January 6, 2022
The decider in the three-match series will start at Newlands in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix
