South Africa [286 and 130] beat India [209 and 135] by 72 runs in the first Test to take 1-0 series

[MenInG]

So no play yesterday, Steyn out of the match - what can happen today?

South Africa 286 & 65/2 (20 ov)
India 209

South Africa lead by 142 runs with 8 wickets remaining

 

[RamLakhan]

If the pitch is spiced up after rain it could be interesting! The match deserves a result (The selection of Dhawan & Rohit should be either justified or crucified) Otherwise they may well go with the same combination for next matches... Steyn's injury has balanced the match like anything (if only India had proper Top 5)

 

[samplepiece]

If the pitch is spiced up after rain it could be interesting! The match deserves a result (The selection of Dhawan & Rohit should be either justified or crucified) Otherwise they may well go with the same combination for next matches... Steyn's injury has balanced the match like anything (if only India had proper Top 5)

Kohli, in his 33 matches as captain, has never played the same 11 ever. Not once in the 33 games has he repeated the playing XI. I doubt that the team will remain unchanged in the next test.

 

[Nitya85]

Bright and Sunny in Capetown
Its interesting to see how the covered pitch behave on Day 4
But it will ease out as the day progreased.
India don't want to chase anything beyond 280
And As Dale Steyn out SA don't wants to take any chance and will not settle for anything below 320
Its still 60:40
Advantage South Africa

 

[Sam99]

Ball is 20 overs old but it might seam and swing a bit specially for bhuvi in first spell. He will be crucial to pick few wickets.

 

[BaankeJi]

Kohli, in his 33 matches as captain, has never played the same 11 ever. Not once in the 33 games has he repeated the playing XI. I doubt that the team will remain unchanged in the next test.

Is that true? If yes, then it is mind boggling.

 

[Sam99]

Is that true? If yes, then it is mind boggling.

Yep it's true and i guess it was true in odis as well for very long.

 

[samplepiece]

Is that true? If yes, then it is mind boggling.

Its true. Not only has he not repeated a playing eleven in consecutive matches but he has never repeated his playing XI. All 33 teams that have played under him have been unique.

 

[soso_killer]

How on earth is that out? Disgraceful decision.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Amla :

3 more before lunch please...

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

How on earth is that out? Disgraceful decision.

Soft signal from on field English umpire was OUT

 

[Oligochaetes]

Wicket in the second over... and the big one too..

 

[Mobashir]

Soft signal or not, that ball clearly bounced before reaching Rohit! Pathetic umpiring and sportsmanship from Indians.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Soft signal or not, that ball clearly bounced before reaching Rohit! Pathetic umpiring and sportsmanship from Indians.

If it had bounced then TV umpire can reverse the decision right!

 

[in_cutter]

SA are under pressure. Ind can snatch a win here!

 

[soso_killer]

Why on earth does AB put himself in these run out situations, you're batting with a nightwatchman show some authority.

 

[Oligochaetes]

ABDV look like he is under pressure . The Indians better keep him there. If he calms down, the game is over.

 

[Tridibans_16]

That was inconclusive at best. Umpteen times those are given out as fielders have fingers underneath! Also, was given out on field as well as by third umpire.

 

[AMSS]

Soft signal or not, that ball clearly bounced before reaching Rohit! Pathetic umpiring and sportsmanship from Indians.

Disgraceful of Amla to stand there hoping to cheat the Indians and Umpire of a fair and legit catch.

 

[samplepiece]

Shami has found good rhythm today. Good start to the day. Get one quickly and that will set the cat amongst the pigeons.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Gone

 

[samplepiece]

Moreover, we have taken 2 slip catches out of 2 today. Ominous!

 

[soso_killer]

Disgraceful stuff throwing the ball to the ground like that. Umpires ought to curb these overzealous celebrations. And it's not the first time Kohli has done that.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Are conditions still tough?

 

[jagatk]

So unlucky bumrah if that does not hit abd's arm on the way through that carries to the keeper.

 

[samplepiece]

Freak of nature is ABD. Playing stick cricket here.

 

[prayas]

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Gone

 

[Shafi]

Looks like India is winning this test. South Africa is batting like Pakistan

 

[ammar_merry]

Are conditions still tough?

yes

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

ABD
Faf
QDK

Stand us between a target of 250 or 400. x fingerscrossed x

 

[ammar_merry]

rubbish running by ABD

 

[Oligochaetes]

ABDV is the key here...

India have removed 3 batters in 40 minutes

 

[soso_killer]

The hell is AB doing with these run out chances?
QdK is the last recognised bat. Is a single really worth a wicket?

 

[Protea Fan]

Horrible calls from Ab heck

 

[soso_killer]

There's a run out looming here. So disappointing, waited a year to see these two bat together. And they are running like headless chickens

 

[Protea Fan]

Suddenly the pitch look bouncy from nowhere

 

[user119]

India's match to lose. SA is a bowler short, anything under 270 will be chase able.

 

[Oligochaetes]

Suddenly the pitch look bouncy from nowhere

I was just going to type that. The pitch ahs developed variable bounce. Is this because of the heavy roller they used in the morning?

 

[shah_1]

Great bowling performance by India

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Gone

 

[soso_killer]

Suddenly the pitch look bouncy from nowhere

It was under the covers the whole of yesterday, it looks a lot greener than it was.

 

[Protea Fan]

De kock looks shaky from the start I know this coming

 

[shortbread]

Indians really greedy for a win, but ABDV can turn any game on its head.

Plus, the Indian batsmen cant really survive a whole day on this wicket!

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Last recognized pair at the crease now... ABD and Philander now. Till we get ABD you never know unless he feels tensed and throws it away target can run past our limits very quickly.

PS: I know Maharaj can also bat but probably would be difficult in these conditions.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

This is a golden chance for India. Get AB and game is yours.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Indians really greedy for a win, but ABDV can turn any game on its head.

Plus, the Indian batsmen cant really survive a whole day on this wicket!

Precisely... the sooner we get him/ he gets himself out better for us.

 

[user119]

Intensity from the Indian team in this innings has been amazing. Don't think ABD will last long

 

[Oligochaetes]

This is a golden chance for India. Get AB and game is yours.

Indians have to bat on the same pitch, mind you

 

[in_cutter]

ABD will most likely run himself out. Ind are now hot favourites to take the match. Pandya’s knock & losing Steyn has rattled SA.

 

[prayas]

Remember RSA is one batsman short its actually 7 down

 

[jagatk]

Wow a whole bunch of Pak fans trying to jinx us, go ab score a century please.

 

[shariqnoor]

If De Villiers stay till 9 down, I think Steyn will come out to bat. Runs are gold dust here and De Villiers can add about 20 runs on his own with Steyn.

 

[jagatk]

If De Villiers stay till 9 down, I think Steyn will come out to bat. Runs are gold dust here and De Villiers can add about 20 runs on his own with Steyn.

He is out of the series how exactly is going to come out to bat

 

[shariqnoor]

He is out of the series how exactly is going to come out to bat

By walking to the crease.

 

[Oligochaetes]

If De Villiers stay till 9 down, I think Steyn will come out to bat. Runs are gold dust here and De Villiers can add about 20 runs on his own with Steyn.

Oh yea, India need only 3 wickets more... STeyn cant have a runner and surely he wont risk his career for one test match

 

[samplepiece]

Can we knock off the last 4 for another 50? Boy that would be awesome!

 

[shariqnoor]

Oh yea, India need only 3 wickets more... STeyn cant have a runner and surely he wont risk his career for one test match

He doesn't need to run. Just stay there and let ABDV hit out. Of course all depends if ADV is still there by the end of 9 wickets down and SA haven't gotten up to 250 or so.

 

[Titan24]

India putting good fight but I think this pitch has become pretty difficult to bat on with uneven bounce. I guess this is the best chance India will get to win a match in this test series.

 

[jagatk]

By walking to the crease.

Thanks for clarifying that I thought he was going to out flying with a rendition of r Kelly's famous song playing in the back ground.

 

[shariqnoor]

Thanks for clarifying that I thought he was going to out flying with a rendition of r Kelly's famous song playing in the back ground.

Then stop asking silly questions.

 

[Oligochaetes]

He doesn't need to run. Just stay there and let ABDV hit out. Of course all depends if ADV is still there by the end of 9 wickets down and SA haven't gotten up to 250 or so.

Yea but if he cant run a single, he will have to play 6 balls every alternate over =(

 

[samplepiece]

Big moment. Is there an inside edge here?

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Gone

 

[samplepiece]

Boy, Shami is making up for his first innings effort wholesomely.

 

[Oligochaetes]

Holy.............. 7 down!

 

[shah_1]

Looks like India will win this

What a turn around

 

[samplepiece]

Saffers playing it like a world cup knock out here.

 

[shariqnoor]

Difficult to execute but the tailenders here needs to throw their bat in search for runs and disturb the bowler's line and length. The tailenders here don't have the technique in these conditions to stay on the wicket for ABDV.

 

[jagatk]

Rubbish review

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Looks like India will win this

What a turn around

ABD is still there and Maharaj is no mug with the bat.

 

[JattMaula]

Stein is strapped in Moon boot apparently.

 

[AMSS]

Kohli, the ugly and compulsive reviewer

 

[Oligochaetes]

Kohli, the ugly and compulsive reviewer

He asked the bowler... no way he can judge from slips..

 

[Shafi]

AB should take responsibilities and shield tailenders instead he is keeping himself away like Shafiq!!!

 

[Oligochaetes]

Oh WHy did AB take a single

 

[samplepiece]

Kohli gets over-excited. Needs to temper his instincts.

We have been good with keeping a lid on the scoring this morning.

 

[shaaik]

Kohli, the ugly and compulsive reviewer

It was Shami who forced it on him this time to be fair with Kohli however having said this your point still stands.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

AB should take responsibilities and shield tailenders instead he is keeping himself away like Shafiq!!!

Every run is important on this pitch and Maharaj is not a hopeless bat like Morne.

 

[samplepiece]

Because Maharaj is a competent batsman.