India crush SA by 203 runs in 1st Test, Rohit Sharma Player of the Match

Speed Post News Network

Patna : India demolished South Africa (SA) by 203 runs in the first test at Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, in the session of the play on Day 5 on October 6, 2019, with fast bowler Mohammad Shami taking 5/35 in 10.5 overs and spinner Ravindra Jadeja taking 4/87 in 25 overs. Ravichandra Ashwin took one wicket.  Set a target of 395, SA, who had scored 431 in 1st innings, were all out for 191 in their second innings. Rohit Sharma was declared Player of the Match for scoring 176 in first innings and 127 in the second. It was his first test as an opener.

The tailenders, however, delayed the inevitable for quite long. Spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Dane Piedt added 91 runs for the 9th wicket. Muthusamy, who had remained unbeaten on 33 in SA’s first innings, remained unbeaten on 49 in 108 balls with 5 fours in second innings as well. Dane Piedt fell to Mohammad Shami for 56 in 107 balls with 9 fours and a six. Kagiso Rabada also fell to Shami for 18.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis described the knocks of Indian openers: Rohit Sharma and Mayan Agarwal, in the first innings as great. India captain described Rohit’s knock as outstanding as that of Mayank Agarwal as brilliant. Rohit thanked the team management for giving him an opportunity to open the innings.

Ashwin took 8 wickets in the match while Jadeja took 6 wickets. Shami took 5 wickets.  India, who won the toss and opted to bat, had declared their 1st innings at 502/7 and second at 323/4. Agarwal scored 215 in 1st innings and 7 in second.