India in Cape Town: Heroic efforts but no victories to show
India are currently facing South Africa in the third Test of the three-match Test series. The decider is being played at the picturesque Newlands, Cape Town. The ground is situated at the base of Table mountain. The Indians have a wonderful opportunity of breaking two long-running streaks in one go – 1) India have never won a Test series in South Africa, 2) India have never won a Test in Cape Town.
On that note, here are India’s all the previous Test encounters in South Africa.
1993 – Drawn
In the fourth Test of the series, South Africa posted 360/9d after being 177/5 at one stage. Jonty Rhodes (86) and Brian McMillan (52) rescued the side with some help from the tail. Sachin Tendulkar’s 73 could only take India till 276 runs. Javagal Srinath’s 4/33 ensured that the home side did not run away with the game. South Africa crawled to 130/6 in 97 overs as the Test ended in a draw.
1997 – South Africa won by 282 runs
With centuries from Gary Kirsten (103), Brian McMillan (103*) and number nine Lance Klusener (102*), the Proteas piled up 529/7 in the first innings. At 58/5, India were on the brink of conceding an embarrassing defeat. Captain Sachin Tendulkar (169) and Mohammed Azharuddin (115) raised an inspired stand of 222 runs which is fondly remembered to date. India still conceded a trail of 170 runs. The home side added 256 runs to it. The target of 427 runs proved Himalayan for the Indian team which could only muster 144 runs.
2007 – South Africa won by 5 wickets
Wasim Jaffer’s 116 along with Dinesh Karthik’s 63 provided India with a dream start. However, after being 395/5 at one stage, they could only reach 414. South Africa responded with 373. The South African pacers fought back strong in the 3rd inning as they wrapped up India for only 169 runs. The home side then brushed off the required 211 runs while losing five wickets.
2011 – Drawn
Two batting legends of the game, Jacques Kallis (161) and Sachin Tendulkar (146), gave a splendid demonstration of their powers as both sides posted 360-plus scores. Kallis celebrated another ton in the second dig as he added 109*. India then batted out 82 overs to walk away with a hard-earned draw.
2018 – South Africa won by 72 runs
Making recovery from 12/3, AB de Villiers (65) and Faf du Plessis (62) added 114 runs for the 4th wicket. After posting 286, South Africa had India in trouble at 92/7. Hardik Pandya’s 93 saved them as the visitors reached 209 all out. A spectacular bowling effort then helped them bundle South Africa for just 130 runs. However, Vernon Philander’s 6/42 proved lethal as India ended up at 135 all out.
