Legendary Indian cricketer and commentator Sunil Gavaskar backed Team India to win the second and final Test against South Africa despite their shocking batting collapse in Cape Town on January 3.

On an unexpected opening day of the second and final Test at Newlands, Cape Town, a total of 23 wickets tumbled as South Africa and India faced off in a thrilling battle on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, the Proteas struggled and were dismissed for a mere 55 runs, their lowest score since their return to Test cricket and eighth-lowest in their history. Mohammed Siraj was the chief architect of South Africa's collapse, with career-best figures of 6/15 in 9 overs.

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Team India, in reply, made a good start with Rohit Sharma (39) and Shubman Gill (36) providing a solid foundation. Kohli also contributed with a quick knock of 46 runs, but the Indian innings took a sudden turn from 153/4 to 153 all out, with them losing the last six wickets for 0 runs in 11 balls.

This dramatic collapse included a spell where seamer Lungi Ngidi took three wickets in an over and capitalized on an extra bounce from the pitch against India.

By the close of the day, South Africa had reached 62 for three, trailing India by 36 runs in their second inning in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar was confident that the Indian team would maintain a strong grip on the game against South Africa. The former Indian skipper said that South African batters are not good enough to trouble the Indian bowling unit and predicted a win for Rohit Sharma and co.

Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports: “Three wickets have already fallen. India is still in the lead. So, I don't think this match can go out of India's grasp. Yes, it might not be an innings victory.”

He added, “They (India) might have to bat a little but I don't think South Africa has batters who can score 150-200 runs and trouble the Indian team a little.”

(With Star Sports/PTI Inputs)