India scores quickest victory in test history, levels series against South Africa
New Delhi : On Thursday, India completed its quickest victory in test history to level their ongoing series against South Africa on second day in Cape Town.
The Indian side chased down fourth inning total of 79 runs in just 12 overs at Newlands to complete the match that was schedule to end on Sunday evening. The match lasted for only 642 balls, which is the quickest in test history.
Before this, the fastest match was played in 1932 between South Africa and Australia in Melbourne, where the former was on the losing side as well.
South Africa’s retiring captain Dean Elgar described it as “a tough one for us, we were positive coming into the game, but the first innings with the bat ... India bowled well and used the conditions to a tee.
"It [the wicket] was a bit of a ripper, to the naked eye it looked a nice one, but it played different to what everyone thought it would play. I still don’t regret my decision to bat first but they outskilled us in the first session."
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma also raised questions over the analysis of pitches across the world, and said that India has received undue criticism in home tests. He said that the conditions were dangerous to play, but he’s okay with it till the time everyone keeps his mouth shut when it comes to playing in India.
“I don’t mind being on pitches like this as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India and no one is talking about the pitches there,” Rohit said. “Yes it is dangerous, but you come here to challenge yourself and you must face up to it.”
The Proteas were dismissed for 55 on the first morning and improved to 176 in the second innings only because of a solo effort from Aiden Markram, who made a backs-to-the-wall 106. But with no other resistance, Jasprit Bumrah completed a haul of six for 61. India began their pursuit after lunch and wasted no time getting over the line.
