6.26 PM Thursday, 28 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:57 06:11 12:27 15:53 18:37 19:51
28 March 2024

Rain gives SA some reprieve

Indian cricketer Murali Vijay, centre, celebrates with teammate Amit Mishra after the dismissal of South African skipper Graeme Smith. (AFP)

Published
By AFP

Bad weather brought brief respite to South Africa as India pressed for a series-levelling victory on the fourth day of the second and final Test yesterday.

The tourists, trailing by 347 runs on the first innings, lost three key wickets on a rain-curtailed day to stutter to 115-3 in their second knock by stumps at the famous Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata.

Only 34.1 overs were bowled as a wet outfield caused by overnight rain delayed the start by 90 minutes and overcast conditions interrupted play regularly.

In the brief period of action, leg-spinner Amit Mishra sent back skipper Graeme Smith (20) and Jacques Kallis (20), and Harbhajan Singh dismissed Alviro Petersen.

Hashim Amla was unbeaten on 49 and Ashwell Prince had yet to score when the umpires finally called off play for the day.

Hosts India will hope for a clear day today as they attempt to draw the series and retain their No 1 Test ranking.

 

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.