Left Arm Around

India won a frantic test match at Newlands by seven wickets as Rohit Sharma’s men bounced back to level the series one apiece.

With only 642 balls bowled, this was the shortest test in history to produce a winner.

Set only 79 to claim victory, the tourists comfortably reached the target in 12 overs for the loss of three wickets.

Rohit Sharma (16) and Shreyas Iyer (4) were the players unbeaten, meanwhile Jaiswal, Gill and Kohli were dismissed searching for a quick win.

Beginning the day’s play 62 for three and still trailing by 36 runs, South Africa needed a substantial partnership but started horrifically as Bumrah removed Bedingham in the first over.

Only Aidan Markram offered any real resistance in his magnificent knock of 106 from 103 deliveries with the hosts whimpering to 176 all out.

Markram’s incredible display featured 17 fours and two maximums before he was dismissed by Mohammad Siraj on the hunt for fast runs.

It was his seventh test century in 37 Tests- and his first against India.

The ever-impressive Jasprit Bumrah was the chief destroyer in the morning session- his six wickets for 61 runs rewarding him his eight “fifer” in just 28 matches outside Asia.

Only the legendary Kapil Dev, with nine, has more for India.

South Africa captain Dean Elgar ended his international career on a sour note; this his 86th and final test before retirement.

What’s next?

The Proteas return to Test cricket with a trip to New Zealand in February, meanwhile India host England in a five-match series starting on January 25.