Lungi Ngidi spectacularly took six wickets in a single innings and picked up four of the last seven wickets on the final day to lead the Standard Bank Proteas to a memorable victory over India by 135 runs in the second Sunfoil Freedom Test match at SuperSport Park this Wednesday.
This fantastic win has now put the Proteas firmly in control, with an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series, and just one final match to play at the iconic Bidvest Wanderers Stadium starting next Wednesday.
Ngidi’s remarkable figures of 6/39 rank as the seventh-best debut bowling performance by a South African and sit at an impressive 27th place on cricket’s all-time record list. What makes this feat even more stunning is that he achieved his seven wickets from just 26.2 overs, boasting an extraordinary strike rate of a wicket every 22.5 balls.
Meanwhile, India’s Cheteshwar Pujara hit an unfortunate milestone by becoming only the 23rd player, and the first Indian in 18 years, to be run out in both innings of a Test match.
From the outset, India went all out aggressively, aiming for a comeback that, while courageous, fell short. The Proteas met this challenge head-on with an outstanding display of fielding brilliance that included Pujara’s run out and incredible catches by Morne Morkel and AB de Villiers. While De Villiers’ sharp catches were expected, Morkel’s athleticism as he dashed along the boundary and executed full-length dives was a thrilling spectacle to witness.
Rohit Sharma was India’s top scorer with a valiant 47 runs from 74 balls, featuring six fours and a six, before being spectacularly caught by De Villiers.
What’s especially promising for South African cricket is that two bowlers, combining for just 43 years of age, claimed all nine wickets to fall to bowlers in India’s second innings, signalling a strong future ahead.
On another note, the Sunfoil Education Trust (SET) has received R233 000 from this match alone, bringing the series total to R447 000. The SET’s funds come from every boundary, six, and wicket achieved, supporting the development of cricket in the country.
For more detailed updates and news, visit www.cricket.co.za.
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