One of the most anticipated series of 2018 started on a bright note as South Africa and India produced an exciting first Test. It was a low-scoring game, but both teams fancied their chances throughout the game.
South Africa were reduced to 12/3 but a counter-attack from AB de Villiers changed the course of the first innings to help South Africa post 286.
But Indian batsmen (the top order in particular) couldn’t stand up and India couldn’t capitalize with the bat and were 7 down below 100 runs in the first innings.
But with a target of 208 to get in the fourth innings after the bowlers managed to pull India back in the game, the visitors were in with a definite chance. But again, the top-order failed and India were bowled out for 135 and lost by 72 runs.
It was Vernon Philander, who took three wickets in the first innings and ran through the Indian middle order in the second, to bowl the Proteas to a victory and help them go 1-0 up in the 3-match series.
