Bumrah’s fifer gives India edge over South Africa, history in sight

Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara managed to hang on till stumps on Day 2, as India were at 57/2, leading South Africa by 70 runs. The Indian pacers’ fightback, led by Jasprit Bumrah, was the highlights of the day’s play at Newlands, Cape Town. 

Also read: Watch: Bumrah wins battle vs Jansen, Kohli gives Protean a send off

Bumrah, coming back to the ground where he made his Test debut in 2018, picked a five-wicket haul and finished with first innings figures of 5/42. His spell gave Virat Kohli and company a slight edge in he game as they look to win their first Test series in South Africa. 

Along with Bumrah, Mohammed Shami (16-4-39-2) and Umesh Yadav (16-3-64-2) also bowled brilliantly to bundle out the Proteas for 210.

Indian openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal came out to bat with a 13-run first innings lead to build on. However, both were dismissed for cheap and India were 24/2. Thereon skipper Virat Kohli (14 batting) and Cheteshwar Pujara (9 batting) took on the reigns and batted till stumps. 

Also read: Mithali Raj wants India to be ‘more consistent’ ahead of WC 2022

For South Africa, Keegan Petersen top-scored with 72 off 166 balls. He was dismissed by a Bumrah delivery that kicked up awkwardly from length but enough for the batter to have a jab at it and Cheteshwar Pujara accepted the offering at second slip.

Shami, in the post lunch session, got two wickets in three balls to unsettle the Proteas after Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen (21) had added 67 for the fourth wicket.