SA v IND 2018: 2nd Test, Day 3 – Virat Kohli century underlines a good day for India, despite the rain

Virat Kohli slammed his 21st ton and his highest Test score in South Africa so far.

Jasprit Bumrah struck twice before rain intervention |  GIANLUIGI GUERCIA-AFP-Getty Images

India started their day three at 183/5 with Virat Kohli on 85 and Hardik Pandya on 11. The South Africans were looking wrap things early and gain a big lead.

They were on the right path as a complacent Hardik Pandya ran himself out for 15. After being denied a run by Virat Kohli, Pandya casually tried to return to his crease, unaware that Philander had thrown to his end. As the ball crashed into the stumps, Pandya was found with his bat and his feet in air and was termed run out.

However, R Ashwin proved to be a good partner to Virat Kohli, who started going after the bowling and brought up his 21st Test ton off 146 balls with 10 fours. He and Ashwin added 71 runs for the 7th wicket, before Ashwin fell for 38 runs off 54 balls with 7 fours. Kohli stepped on the gas pedal and reached his 150 in 207 balls with 15 fours, as Shami (1) and Bumrah (3) fell early.

Morne Morkel picked up four wickets in Indian innings | GIANLUIGI GUERCIA-AFP-Getty Images

Finally, Kohli fell for 153, caught by AB de Villiers on the bowling of Morne Morkel. India was bundled out for 307 runs, giving South Africa a lead of 28 runs.

South Africa’s second innings started on a disastrous note as Bumrah dismissed both Markram and Amla for 1 run each and South Africa’s score board read 3/2. But Dean Elgar (36* off 78 balls; 4 fours and 1 six) and AB de Villiers (50* off 78 balls; 6 fours) took the team to safety with an 87 run stand for the 3rd wicket.

South African innings was interrupted by rain when they were 68/2. They came back on and only five overs were bowled before bad light and wet outfield caused them to go off again.

 

BRIEF SCORES:

SOUTH AFRICA 335 & 90/2 (AB de VILLIERS 50*; J BUMRAH 2/30)
INDIA 307 (V KOHLI 153, M VIJAY 46; M MORKEL 4/60)
South Africa lead by 118 runs with 8 wickets remaining

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 15 Jan, 2018

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