Flashback 2020: England beat South Africa in Cape Town Test on dramatic final day
The idea of moving Test match cricket into a four-day affair by the ICC was completely gobsmacked when a dramatic encounter between England and South Africa took its course at The Newlands, Cape Town.
Before the 2020 tour of South Africa, England had faced an embarrassing defeat on their tour of West Indies and had thrilling draws during their encounter of The Ashes. But with the tour of New Zealand on the cards, England inculcated some fresh faces, especially in the form of Dom Sibley who at present has looked to solve England’s opening batting conundrum.
Similar teams, similar problems
With another disappointing performance from the NZ tour, Joe Root’s men had an exquisite opportunity to dismantle their counterparts (South Africa) who were similarly poised as England, both glooming with uncertainty. Although the first Test did continue the same story of disappointment where the hosts secured a convincing 107-run win at Centurion, the second Test became a tale of prudent thrill.
? #OnThisDay in 2020, Dom Sibley scored the first century of his Test career against South Africa! ?
England’s young opener carried his bat to finish unbeaten on 133*, having faced 311 deliveries and spent 497 minutes at the crease. ?@DomSibley pic.twitter.com/RN1CftR1MZ
— The Nightwatchman (@NightwatchmanXI) January 6, 2021
With England winning the toss and opting to bat first, there came a discarding first innings total of 269. In response, South Africa were restricted to 223, all thanks to Jimmy Anderson’s 28th five-wicket haul. England’s second innings, which first became a tribute of classic resilience by Dom Sibley, witnessed a grinding maiden hundred (133 from 311 deliveries). The Ben Stokes phenomenon (72 runs from 47 balls) which is well-known for its mind-boggling causes did roll the match in England’s favour as the visitors declared their innings on 391-8 on fourth day’s afternoon.
Malan’s hard work not enough
With the start of the final day’s play, South Africa had already lost two wickets with 312 runs required to win. Pieter Malan, the debutant was one of the biggest suppliers of resistance (84 runs off 288 balls) was finally sent back to the pavilion by Sam Curran.
After taking Tea, South Africa had a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets inside 17 overs of play. It was the magical spell of Ben Stokes (3-1) in the space of 14 balls that handed a stunning win to England. Stokes was also adjudged as the Player of the Match for his all-round show – three quick wickets, 119 runs and six catches while fielding at slips.
