Last Updated on December 31, 2021 at 10:31 am
Playing under tough overseas conditions and winning matches there has always been quite special feat for Indian cricket team. Be it Australia, England or South Africa, winning matches let alone series has never been an easy nut to crack for Indian side. But if we glimpse through some of the recent records, with a series win at Australia early this year and then dominating England in their home turf lately by 2-1, India’s overseas standings have improved for better.
In a recent, registering a thumping victory over South Africa at their stronghold Centurion, many critical voices regarding India’s show in overseas conditions have been put to rest now. What makes this win all the more important is that it was India’s first ever win against South Africa at Centurion. Two other teams England and Australia have achieved this feat previously. A feat which was elusive that India had been eyeing for years.
Despite one day washed by incessant rain, Indian side stuck to their plan resolutely and performed well in all departments to make its opponent taste defeat. Although, for a session or two it seemed that the proteas are putting some fight out there by showing some degree of resilience but they could not withstand the India pace attack on a bouncy Centurion track. After winning the first test emphatically by 113-run, India is now leading the series by 1-0.
Netizens broke into celebrations after India’s win and tweeted posts lauding the historic win. Now it will be interesting to see how India proceed further and registers a series win or not.
Notabl performances:
Mohammed Shami (5/44 & 3/63), KL Rahul (123 & 23) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/16 & 3/50) played a key role in India’s historic win at Centurion.
Lungi Ngidi (6/71 & 2/31), Kagiso Rabada (3/72 and 4/42), Marco Jansen (4/55) and Temba Bavuma (52 & 35*)
Shami with a five wicket haul became the 11th Indian bowler with 200 Test scalps.
Twitter user Boria Majumdar tweeted, “What a superb win this is! @ashwinravi99 finishes things in style! 1-0 India. Gabba breached. Centurion Breached. Best ever year for India in Test cricket! Perhaps yes”.
Twitter user Harsha Bhogle tweeted, “Starting the year at the Gabba and finishing it thus at Centurion is a mighty achievement. The WTC final was the only aberration in a great year of test cricket”.
Twitter user Mohandas Menon tweeted, “In 2021, India has now beaten four top Test sides – Australia – England – New Zealand – South Africa #INDvsSA #IndvSA #SAvIND #SAvsIND”.
