NEW DELHI: In an eventful opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Cape Town, Virat Kohli's gestures and India's phenomenal bowling performance took center stage.
Asked to bowl first, India decimated the Proteas, dismissing them for a mere 55, the lowest total against India in Test history. Mohammed Siraj starred with a remarkable 6/15, supported by Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar.
As South Africa struggled, Keshav Maharaj arrived at the crease to the tune of 'Ram Siya Ram,' evoking a heartwarming response from Kohli. The Indian maestro, standing in the slips, greeted Maharaj with folded hands and bow and arrow gestures, capturing a delightful moment that resonated on social media.
The batting collapse began early for South Africa, losing Aiden Markram in the fourth over. Siraj's impressive spell included the dismissal of both openers.
The poignant moment between Kohli and Maharaj echoed a similar interaction during the ODI series when the song 'Ram Siya Ram' played as Maharaj came to bat. KL Rahul had shared a smile with Maharaj, acknowledging the recurring soundtrack.
Maharaj's stay was short-lived as he fell for three, marking Mukesh Kumar's first Test wicket on South African soil. Bumrah and Mukesh then wrapped up the Proteas' innings, ending at a paltry 55.
1/10:2nd Test: India in control after wickets tumble in Cape Town
Reuters
2/10:Record-breaking wickets fall
23 wickets fell on the first day of the second and final Test at Newlands on Wednesday.Getty Images
3/10:Mohammed Siraj's sensational spell
<p>Mohammed Siraj produced a sensational career-best spell of six for 15 as South Africa were bowled out for 55 before lunch after choosing to bat first.</p>Reuters
4/10:South Africa's lowest total in 92 years
South Africa's total was their lowest in almost 92 years, since they were bowled out for 36 and 45 by Australia in February 1932.AFP
5/10:India take commanding lead
<p>India cruised into the lead in 9.4 overs, before the afternoon drinks break.</p>AFP
6/10:Dramatic collapse of Indian batting
The tourists seemed set for a substantial advantage when they reached 153 for four. But the remaining six wickets fell for no runs in 11 balls.AFP
7/10:Elgar's disappointing farewell
Stand-in South African captain Dean Elgar was dismissed twice on the first day of his final Test match.AFP
8/10:Aiden Markram's resilience
Aiden Markram made just two in the first innings but was more in command in the second innings and was unbeaten on 36 at the close.AFP
9/10:South Africa lead the series 1-0
South Africa won the first Test in Centurion by an innings and 32 runs in a match which lasted only three days.Reuters
10/10:Anticipation for a shorter match
The second Test match is expected to be shorter, adding to the excitement.AFPThe drama, however, continued as India took charge in their innings, reaching 153 for 4, with Kohli and Rahul at the crease. Suddenly, a collapse ensued, and India lost their last six wickets in 11 balls without adding a single run. Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada wreaked havoc, creating a world record for most wickets at the same score in any format in international cricket.
The topsy-turvy turn of events continued and South Africa faced another setback in their second innings, losing three wickets to reach 62. The match, poised on a knife's edge, promises more excitement as it unfolds at Newlands in Cape Town.
