India are in the driving seat of the first Test match against South Africa, who require 211 more runs to successfully chase down 305 at SuperSport Park, Centurion. 

India began the day at 16/1, with the South African fast bowlers making optimal use of the conditions of offer, and never allowing the Indian batters to settle into a rhythm.

Kagiso Rabada was the standout performer for South Africa, picking four wickets and conceding 42 runs in 17 overs. Rabada’s wicket of Shardul Thakur early in the day set the tone for a dominant bowling performance by South Africa. Towards the end of the innings, Rabada dismissed Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammed Shami in quick succession.

Marco Jansen was impressive in this innings as well, picking four wickets and conceding 55 runs in 13.3 overs. Although Jansen’s economy rate was relatively high at 4.07 runs an over, he picked the key wickets of Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane.

Lungi Ngidi continued from where he left off in the first innings, picking two wickets and conceding 31 runs in 10 overs. 

Chasing a daunting 305, South Africa lost Aiden Markram early in their chase. Dean Elgar held fort at one end in typically defiant fashion, scoring an unbeaten 52 off 122 balls at the end of the day.

While Keegan Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen tried to withstand the Indian bowling attack, they only managed to score 17(36) and 11(65), respectively. Keshav Maharaj was sent in as the night watchman, but he was undone by Jasprit Bumrah after scoring 8 off 19 balls. Ending the day at 94/4, South Africa need 211 more to win this Test match.