Flashback: India’s first Test win on South African soil

Rahul Dravid led India to their first-ever Test victory in South Africa when the visitors defeated the Proteas by 123 runs in the series-opener in Johannesburg. It was a dominant performance from the Indian team, who were desperately hunting for their first series win on South African soil. However, South Africa bounced back to win their next two games on the trot and take the series 2-1

Talking about the match, India batted and posted 249 runs on the board. Some crucial contributions were given by the skipper Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sourav Ganguly who scored an unbeaten 50 runs. For South Africa, veteran pacer Shaun Pollock grabbed four wickets followed by Makhaya Ntini (three wickets) and Jacques Kallis (two wickets).

In reply, the home team was bundled out for a mere 84 runs. Former Indian express pacer S Sreesanth wreaked havoc on the African side as he took five wickets and completely bamboozled the batting side. For South Africa, Ashwell Prince was the highest run-getter as he scored 24 runs. 

With a decent lead after the first innings, the Indian innings was anchored by legendary VVS Laxman as he ensured that the visiting cross the 200-run mark in its second innings as well. For Africa, Ntini, Pollock, and Andre Nel scalped three wickets each. 

South Africa were given a daunting task to chase 400+ runs in their second innings in which they failed miserably. Ashwell Prince threatened India with his 90+ score, but a ripper of a delivery from spin wizard Anil Kumble meant that the left-handed batter had to go back to the pavilion. 

Pollock also played a handy knock, but the visitors managed to grab a famous victory as they bundled out the home team for 278 runs and won the match by 123 runs. Sreesanth, who grabbed eight wickets in the match, was adjudged player of the match for his excellent bowling performance.