NEW DELHI: Aiden Markram showcased the most combative hundred of his career, but a vintage morning spell by Jasprit Bumrah kept India firmly on course for a series-levelling win against South Africa at lunch on day two of the second Test in Cape Town on Thursday.
Markram adopted an aggressive approach, smashing his way to 106 off just 103 balls. Despite his heroic effort, the Proteas were bundled out for 176 in 36.5 overs, right at the stroke of lunch. This left India with a victory target of 79 on a spicy pitch.
The match appears almost certain to conclude by tea time, and there is a possibility that it could be the shortest Test match in terms of overs bowled.
On the second day, the ball didn't exhibit as much bounce off the surface as it did on the opening day. However, with sufficient assistance available to induce movement, Bumrah, who claimed figures of 6/61 in 13.5 overs, transitioned from his back-of-length approach in the first innings to delivering more traditional fuller length deliveries. This adjustment in length set off alarm bells for the Proteas batsmen.
This was his ninth five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
With the realisation that he might soon run out of partners, Markram took the initiative. Following David Bedingham's dismissal for 11, edging one behind the stumps, and Kyle Verreynne misjudging the length while attempting an unnecessary pull shot, Markram went on the offensive against the inexperienced Mukesh Kumar (2/56 in 10 overs) and Prasidh Krishna (1/27 in 4 overs).
Prasidh, who is in his debut series, has been considered the weakest link in India's pace attack, and Markram targeted him in an effort to counter the impending shortage of batting partners.
Under the attacking field set by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, Markram found it relatively easy to muscle the balls through the gaps. Markram displayed his aggressive intent by hitting 17 fours and two powerful sixes off Prasidh. The attacking field placement allowed Markram to exploit the spaces and play his shots freely.
In the morning, a vintage Bumrah was in full bloom on a tailor-made surface.
Starting at 62 for three, South Africa quickly lost their middle-order to be 111 for 7 before Markram took charge in a 51-run stand with Rabada where he launched into every Indian bowler.
It finally took first innings hero Mohammed Siraj (1/31) to induce a mistimed heave from Markram, ensuring the lead didn't cross the 100-run mark.
(With PTI inputs)
