SA vs IND: Five memorable Tests between India-South Africa
India (IND) and South Africa (SA) will lock horns in three Tests. The series begins on 26th December 2021, with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion. Over the years, these two champion sides have produced high-quality cricket in the whites, and have given a multitude of memories for countless cricket fans. With India set to tour South Africa once again later this month, let us take a look at the 5 most memorable Test matches played between these two teams.
5. South Africa vs India – Bloemfontein (2001)
This was a match that saw the arrival of one of India’s greatest openers, Virender Sehwag. Both Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar ripped apart the South African bowling attack in this match. India were reduced to 68/4, and that is when the Sehwag-Tendulkar duo came together. Both these legends put on a classic 220-run partnership for the 5th wicket, as India posted a total of 379 in the first innings. Both Sehwag and Tendulkar scored hundreds.
South Africa replied with a total of 563, with Herschelle Gibbs and Lance Klusener scoring tons. In the second innings, India were bowled out for 237, with Shaun Pollock scalping 6 wickets. South Africa won the match by 9 wickets.
Also read: Team India enjoys a barbecue night ahead of South Africa series
4. India vs South Africa – Ahmedabad (1996)
This classic Test match took place more than 25 years ago. In this low scoring thriller, India batted first and scored 223 in the first innings, and South Africa replied with 244. India were bowled out for just 190 in the second essay, and that meant that South Africa needed only 170 for victory.
But then, Javagal Srinath ripped through the South African batting lineup, scalping a six-wicket haul, and the Proteas were bowled out for just 105. India recorded a famous victory in Ahmedabad.
3. India vs South Africa – Kolkata (2010)
This was a match where South Africa were outplayed in every department of the game. The Proteas batted first and were bowled out for 296. In reply, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and VVS Laxman scored centuries, as India piled up a mammoth total of 643/6.
Harbhajan Singh scalped a five-wicket haul in the second innings, the Proteas were bowled out for 290, and India thrashed their opponents by an innings and 57 runs.
2. South Africa vs India – Cape Town (2011)
In January 2011, South Africa and India played out an excellent draw, where two legendary batters stamped their authority with the willow. South African legend Jacques Kallis scored a masterly 161 for the Proteas, as the hosts were bowled out for 362 in the first essay after India elected to bowl first. India replied with a total of 364, with Sachin Tendulkar scoring a flawless 146.
South Africa were bowled out for 341 in the second essay, and it was Kallis again who scored a century. India were set a target of 340 for victory, and the visitors ended their second innings with their scoreboard reading 166/3 as the match ended in a draw.
1. India vs South Africa – Chennai (2008)
In this match, Virender Sehwag owned the South African bowling attack at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and recorded the highest individual score by an Indian batsman in Test cricket. In this historic match, South Africa batted first and scored 540, with Hashim Amla scoring 159. In reply, it was the ‘Sehwag show’ that stunned the opposition.
The ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ scored a dazzling 319 off just 304 deliveries at the top of the order, as the South African bowling attack was rendered clueless. Sehwag’s triple century helped India to a total of 627. South Africa ended their second innings with the scorecard reading 331/5, as the match ended in a draw.
