Debutant Ngidi hurries SA to series win as India crumble in Centurion

Centurion – A Lungi Ngidi-inspired Proteas have steamrolled India on the fifth morning of the second Test at Centurion, winning by 135 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

India have already lost batting superstar and skipper Virat Kohli in the second innings and Elgar knows the Indian captain’s wicket was massive late on Tuesday. He did not seem to see Pujara sending him back and when he eventually did, a sharp pick up and throw from Martin Guptill had dismissed him.

Kohli had spoken before the match about showing more “intent” against SA’s seam attack and he duly delivered, compiling a brilliant 153 from 217 balls.

By then, South Africa’s lead meant India would need a record fourth-innings score to win.

At 163-5, du Plessis decided it was time to shut the door and he was at the wicket for another 41 overs to keep India out.

He added, “because you work so hard, you prepare for a match, you get into good situations, shift the game towards you, and then the momentum shifts because of these mistakes”. That carried South Africa to 258 all out in its second innings and a lead of 286.

India had many reasons to be unhappy, from comedic run outs to fluffed catching chances, but what bothered them the most was having to take the field soon after a rain break.

De Villiers was in control against the Indian bowlers while Elgar, who completed his ninth Test half-century, was resolute.

It was not long before India lost the second wicket as KL Rahul punched the ball straight to point from where Kashav Maharaj claimed a good catch from the bowling of Ngidi having scored only four. Faf, meanwhile, also revealed that scoring 250 plus in the second innings was team’s aim. Du Plessis struggled against off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and managed to push it to the right of Rahul. Shami ran in fast and kept the South African batsmen in tenterhooks, by removing the unsafe AB de Villiers.

Post lunch, he tried to shield Ishant Sharma and their partnership for the ninth wicket lasted almost nine overs during which they put up 25 runs.

That will only make this victory that much sweeter for Faf du Plessis and his side. South African bowlers created havoc as Indian battling line collapsed with just 151 runs at the scoreboard.

Murali Vijay (nine) was the first batsman to fall, bowled by Kagiso Rabada from another ball that kept low.

Philander was the very picture of resolute defence during his innings.

“Getting Virat was a massive wicket and it’s huge for India as well, knowing that he won’t be batting for them tomorrow”.

In fitting fashion, Ngidi wrapped things up for the Proteas when Jasprit Bumrah was caught by Vernon Philander for two runs.