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28 March 2024

India v South Africa 2nd Test, Day 2: Steyn steals thunder to put Proteas on top

Published
By Cricket Correspondent and Agencies

Fast bowler Dale Steyn ripped through the India batting line-up on a rain-reduced day two of the second Test at Kingsmead to claim six wickets and hand the momentum to South Africa in the series decider on Friday.

India lost their last nine wickets for 136 runs as they crashed from a commanding 198 for one to 334 all out, with Steyn the catalyst for their collapse as he ended a barren run of 414 deliveries between wickets in the series with a fiery spell of bowling after lunch.

South Africa raced to 82 without loss in their reply during a marathon three-hour final session with openers Graeme Smith (35 not out) and Alviro Petersen (46 not out) to resume on Saturday as the Proteas aim to build a big lead.

Nine of the 10 Indian wickets were caught behind the wicket as the South African pace barrage that had looked so meek on day one came to life with Steyn's inspired spell in the afternoon session in which he took three wickets in 10 balls.

After the morning was completely lost to rain, Cheteshwar Pujara (70) was Steyn's first victim as India added 17 runs to their overnight 181 for one, caught by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers pushing forward to a pitched-up ball.

It brought to an end a fine second-wicket stand of 157 between Pujara and Murali Vijay that had so frustrated South Africa on the opening day.

Vijay moved to within three of his century before he succumbed to Steyn's short-pitched attack, gloving the ball down the leg-side to De Villiers.

And the very next ball Rohit Sharma (zero) misjudged the bounce as he shouldered arms to a delivery that always looked destined to crash into middle stump.

Virat Kohli was on course for his third half-century in as many innings in the series before he was out 10 minutes before tea for 46, another catch down the leg-side by De Villiers, this time off Morne Morkel.

India advanced to 320 before they lost their sixth wicket, MS Dhoni (24) providing a catch for Smith at first slip off Steyn.

Jacques Kallis, playing his 166th and last Test, reached perhaps one final milestone when he pouched Ravindra Jadeja (zero) at slip off spinner JP Duminy - his 200th catch in five-day cricket.

Kallis is second only to former Indian batsman Rahul Dravid (210) on the all-time list for a fielder.

Zaheer Khan (zero) and Ishant Sharma (4) became Steyn's fifth and sixth victims as they edged to De Villiers, before the innings was complete when Mohammed Shami was taken by at first slip Smith off Morkel.

Steyn finished with figures of six for 100 in his 30 overs, while Morkel recorded three for 50 in 23.3 miserly overs.

The first Test was drawn.

EVENING SESSION

Graeme Smith (35 not out) and Alviro Petersen (46 not out) put on a strong 82 runs for the opening wicket as South Africa trail by 252 runs on the second day of the second Test against India in Durban.

Earlier, South Africa pacer Dale Steyn was on fire as he claimed six wickets to ensure India were shot out for 334 in 111.3 overs.

After the Indian batting dominated on day one, the second day belonged to the Proteas despite a rain-delayed start.

Steyn accounted for six wickets including two successive wickets while Mornie Morkel took three.

EVENING SESSION

Smith and Petersen are showing huge character as Indian bowlers are unable to dent the openers confidence. SA 77-0 in 19 overs.

The 50-run partnership comes up for the South African openers. SA 50-0 in 13 overs.

Another 12 overs remain for the day. India will be keen to pocket a few wickets to grab the advantage. But the way Smith and Petersen are batting it looks to be a difficult task. SA 39-0 in 10 overs.

India bowlers have not been lucky so far to make any early inroads. Smith and Petersen going strong. SA 36-0 in 6 overs.

Graeme Smith and Alviro Petersen open for South Africa as Zaheer prepares to bowl.

INDIA INNINGS

That's it the last wicket of India goes. Morkel takes the last one. A great effort from South Africa especially after India dominated the first day's play. Ind 334 all out in 111.3 overs.

Mohammed Shami c Smith b Morkel 1 (6b 0x4 0x6)

Wickets just rolling herre. That's another for Steyn as he gets his sixth. Ind 330-9 in 108.5 overs.

I Sharma c de Villiers b Steyn 4 (4m 3b 1x4 0x6)

Sensational catch from De Villiers as Steyn gets another to get his five-wicket haul. India lose their eighth wicket. Ind 322-8 in 108.2 overs.

Z Khan c de Villiers b Steyn 0 (4m 2b 0x4 0x6)

India lose another as Jadeja is gone without any contribution. South Africa celebrate. Ind 321-7 in 107.5 overs.

R Jadeja c Kallis b Duminy 0 (3b 0x4 0x6)

Steyn strikes again. Dhoni has to go. Ind 320-6 in 106.4 overs.

MS Dhoni c Smith b Steyn 24 (57m 40b 3x4 0x6)

Dhoni scoring in boundaries and Rahane giving him the perfect company as India cross the 300-run mark. Ind 307-5 in 102 overs.

South Africa did a fantastic job especially with some super bowling from Steyn as India were 271 for five in 95 overs at tea.

Steyn claimed two quick wickets of Murali Vijay who missed his century by just three runs and Pujara who scored a fine 70.

Virat Kohli also missed his half century after he succumbed to Mornie Morkel for 46.

AFTERNOON SESSION


Fired-up South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn took three wickets in 10 balls to rip through the Indian top order on day two of the second Test at Kingsmead on Friday.

The Proteas picked up four wickets for the addition of 90 runs in the session, India reaching tea on 271 for five, to drag themselves back into the game with the aggressive Steyn the catalyst for their success.
 
After rain had washed out the morning's play, Steyn charged in and ended his barren run of 414 deliveries in between wickets in the series when he had Cheteshwar Pujara (70) caught by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers pushing forward to a pitched-up ball.

It brought to an end a fine second-wicket stand of 157 between Pujara and Murali Vijay that had so frustrated South Africa on the opening day.

Vijay moved to within three of his century before he succumbed to Steyn's short-pitched attack, gloving the ball down the leg-side to De Villiers.

And the very next ball Rohit Sharma (0) misjudged the bounce as he shouldered arms to a delivery that always looked destined to crash into middle stump.

Virat Kohli was on course for his third half-century in as many innings in the series before he was out 10 minutes before tea for 46, another catch down the leg-side by De Villiers, this time off Morne Morkel.

Ajinkya Rahane (23) and captain MS Dhoni (0) will resume after the interval.

Steyn, who lost top spot in the world rankings for test bowlers to compatriot Vernon Philander after the drawn first test at the Wanderers, has figures of three for 87 in the innings.

Kohli departs. Unlucky to miss out on his half century. It was a brilliant effort from De Villiers taking a diving catch. With just a few minutes left for tea, SA will be delighted in breaking the partnership. Ind 265-5 in 92.3 overs.

Virat Kohli c de Villiers b Morkel 46 (87b 5x4 0x6)

Kohli reaches 40s as the partnership is getting stronger with 62 runs. Ind 261-4 in 90 overs.

Rahane being tested by Steyn. He is putting up a brave fight despite a well targetted bouncer hitting him. Ind 245-4 in 85 overs.

After Steyn's rampage, Kohli and Rahane holding the innings firm. Ind 218-4 in 78 overs.

That's another for Steyn and he is on fire. Rohit Sharma walks back with a duck. Completely misjudged the ball. Ind 199-4 in 69 overs.

Rohit Sharma b Steyn 0 (1b 0x4 0x6)

Steyn is on fire. Vijay misses out on a well deserved century. Ind 199-3 in 68.5 overs.

Murali Vijay c de Villiers b Steyn 97 (309m 226b 18x4 0x6)

South Africa finally taste success. Steyn's beauty takes the edge of Pujara to de Villiers. Ind 198-2 in 66.3 overs.

Cheteshwar Pujara c de Villiers b Steyn 70 (233m 132b 9x4 0x6)

Vijay is on 96, Pujara on 70. Ind 198-1 in 66 overs.

The action begins. Pujara and Vijay will look to build on their brilliant partnership on Day 1. Ind 185-1 in 62 overs.

So the good news is here. Play is expected to start in a few minutes now. The day's play has been extended by an hour and a minimum of 75 overs is expected to be bowled.

The rain has reduced and things look a lot better. Looks like play can be expected soon.

We have some good news. The covers are coming off and the sky is looking good. Hopefully after lunch things should get better.

Looks like the morning session is completely wiped out as its almost time for lunch.

Still no good news coming from Durban. The rain continues to pour with very few people on the ground.

Disappointing. The rain is getting heavier. Very likely chance of a wash out.

Not good news. The covers are back again and the wait continues. It's also slightly darker at the ground.

The forecast is for 80 per cent rain all day. Umpires are waiting for the covers to be removed for an inspection.

The rains have stopped for the moment. so we need to wait till them.

Vijay and Pujara must be looking forward for the weather to change after having played so well on Day 1.

The duo have shared an unbroken 140-run stand with Vijay batting on 91 and Pujara on 63.