The South African bowlers dominated the first day of the third Test between South Africa and India, bowling India out for 223 runs after India won the toss and chose to bat on a lively Newlands wicket. South Africa were 17/1 at stumps.

Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier opened the bowling for South Africa, and their disciplined lines and lengths set the tone for the rest of the bowling unit. Rabada was the standout bowler for the Proteas, picking four wickets and conceding 73 runs in 22 overs.

His duel with India’s standout batter, Virat Kohli, was riveting to watch, as Rabada beat Kohli’s bat a few times, and Kohli demonstrated his class, creaming Rabada for a few cover drives as well. Ultimately, he dismissed Kohli for a gritty 79 off 201 balls. Rabada also got the wickets of Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Marco Jansen continued his impressive form, having picked three wickets and conceded 55 runs in 18 overs. Jansen dismissed Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, and Ravichandran Ashwin. The ball that dismissed Pujara was particularly impressive, with Jansen bowling a ‘good length’ ball that angled away ever so slightly, eliciting an edge off Pujara’s bat.

Duanne Olivier, Lungi Ngidi, and Keshav Maharaj took one wicket each. South African wicket-keeper, Kyle Verreyne, also deserves a special mention for taking five catches.

India’s 223 runs came on the back of a disciplined and brave effort led by captain, Virat Kohli. While wickets were falling at the other end, Kohli remained resolute in his attempt to ensure India got a healthy first innings score. Kohli’s innings of 79 off 201 balls was as much an internal battle as it was a fight against quality South African bowling, given his recent spate of dismissals wide outside the off-stump.

In South Africa’s first innings, Dean Elgar was dismissed early off a Jasprit Bumrah out-swinger. South Africa finished at 17/1 after 8 overs.