JOHANNESBURG – India registered a 63-run win over South Africa in Johannesburg in the last and final Test. The home side won the series by 2-1.
South Africa on Saturday resumed the innings on 17-1 in pursuit of 241, and fifties from Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla took them to 124-1. Opener Elgar was unbeaten on 86 but Mohammed Shami took 5-28 as South Africa were bowled out for 177.
Hard fought series and what a way to end it. Victory at the Wanderers! #TeamIndia #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/i3oJchKmNe
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 27, 2018
Following the hour’s delay due to a damp patch on the outfield, the much-fabled Wanderers wicket showed signs that it had settled down somewhat, with the uneven bounce becoming a less of a concern for the batsmen, reported BBC.
Seam movement was still a factor, however, and Elgar and Amla were beaten on numerous occasions.
But their gritty stand of 119 in four hours, spanning 50 overs, took South Africa 117 runs from their target.
However, Amla was caught at short mid-wicket 20 minutes before tea and AB de Villiers soon followed, caught in the gully for six.
A very, very special victory indeed. Congratulations #TeamIndia ?? pic.twitter.com/0KeiR6SiGr
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 27, 2018
After the interval, four wickets fell in 15 balls, with Shami taking two in an over, as India wrapped up a memorable win, maintaining their unbeaten Test record at the Wanderers.
It kept them clear at the top of the International Cricket Council Test rankings and retained the Test Championship mace, plus an award of $1m.
South Africa would have drawn level on points had they completed a 3-0 series victory but cannot now reach the top of the rankings before the 3 April cut-off date, even if they win all four home Tests against Australia starting in March.
The India series was also notable for being the only three-match series where all 120 wickets fell.
