The second Test between South Africa and India saw an incredible 23-wicket debacle on its opening day at Cape Town’s Newlands Cricket Ground, in an unexpected turn of events. Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, expressed his shock on social media in response to this.
Sachin Tendulkar expressed his surprise at the start of the cricket season in 2024, pointing out that the game begins with 23 wickets in a single day.
“23 wickets fall in one day to start the twenty-fourth century of cricket. Incredible! I flew home when South Africa was all out, and the TV indicated they had lost three wickets. “What was it that I overlooked?” Tendulkar expressed his shock in a tweet.
Cricket in ‘24 begins with 23 wickets falling in a single day.
Unreal!
Boarded a flight when South Africa was all out, and now that I’m home, the TV shows South Africa has lost 3 wickets.
What did I miss?#SAvIND— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 3, 2024
India, driven by Mohammed Siraj’s outstanding effort, destroyed the South African batting order for just 55 runs in the first session, wreaking havoc. Nevertheless, the Indian team was dismissed for 153 in the next two sessions, allowing the hosts to mount a successful recovery.
After losing three more wickets in their second inning, South Africa suffered yet another blow and ended the day 36 runs behind India’s first-inning lead.
Earlier in the day, South Africa’s acting captain, Dean Elgar, elected to bat first after winning the toss. To limit South Africa to a very low score, Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar contributed, but Mohammed Siraj wrecked havoc by taking six wickets.
India responded well, reaching 153-4 at the tea break. However, they lost their last six wickets without scoring any more runs due to a late collapse. India’s lead was cut to just 98 runs thanks to three wickets apiece from South African bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Nandre Burger.
Day 2 of this thrilling match promises to be even more entertaining as South Africa, trailing by 36 runs going into their second innings, will try to overcome India’s lead.