5 classics between India and South Africa in Tests
India and South Africa have been involved in many entertaining Test matchesIndia and South Africa, two powerhouses of world cricket, take on each other in the purest form of cricket after a gruelling battle in the limited-over formats. Over the years, there has been some great cricket played between the two teams in Test cricket and we will look forward to more of that in the upcoming four-Test series being played in India.Talking about the past, there are a few matches involving Team India and the Proteas that stand a cut above the rest. Let’s take a look at 5 such classic Test matches:
#1 1st Test of the 1996 India-South Africa Series, Ahmedabad
One of the earliest classics between India and South Africa was the 1st Test of the 1996 series played at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. In what turned out to be a low-scoring affair, India chose to bat first against Donald & Co on a pitch that was going to assist the bowlers more.
The host nation was shot out for just 223, thanks to the 4 for 37 recorded by their premier fast bowler, Allan Donald. The visitors too did not fare too well in their 1st innings and could muster a marginal lead of 21 runs, largely due to medium pacer Fanie de Villiers’ enterprising 67.
The Indian batting was even worse in their 2nd innings as they were blown away for a mere 190 and left the Proteas with a target of only 170 in the 4th innings of the Test.
With Team India’s backs against the wall, it was time for at least one player to raise his hand up and it turned out to be India’s then premier paceman, Javagal Srinath. In a dream spell, the Karnataka bowler picked up 6 for 21 as the South African innings fell apart for 105 with as many as 6 batters getting out for a duck handing the Indians a famous 64-run victory.