The Boxing Day Test between South Africa and India kicked off with high expectations at Centurion’s SuperSport Park on Tuesday, and it did not disappoint.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada stole the show with a brilliant fifer that left India struggling at 208/8 by the end of Day 1. However, amidst the chaos, KL Rahul‘s unbeaten fifty emerged as a glimmer of hope for the Indian side.
India’s shaky start
The Indian innings got off to a shaky start, losing key wickets early on. Rohit Sharma departed at 13/1, followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal (23/2) and Shubman Gill (24/3). The Proteas’ pace attack, spearheaded by Rabada, demonstrated its dominance right from the initial overs.
Fightback by Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli
Despite the early setbacks, Shreyas Iyer (31) and Virat Kohli (38) displayed resilience and mounted a fightback. Their partnership provided India with stability, but both batters eventually departed after contributing valuable runs.
Rabada was the chief architect of India’s collapse for South Arica, claiming crucial wickets at regular intervals.
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Kagiso Rabada’s fiery spell
Rabada emerged as the hero for the home team, wreaking havoc in the Indian camp with a sensational fifer. His magical spell saw him dismiss key players, including Rohit, Kohli, Iyer, Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur. The 28-year-old bowler’s pace and accuracy proved too much for the Indian batting lineup to handle. With this, Rabada also completed 500 international wickets. Moreover, Nandre Burger contributed with crucial two wickets.
KL Rahul’s unbeaten fifty
Amidst the flurry of wickets, Rahul stood tall as a beacon of hope for India. The resilient batter crafted an unbeaten fifty, reaching 70 not out by the time stumps were called early due to rain. Rahul’s composed innings provided India with a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and steer the team towards a respectable total.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Sumptuous lofted drives, glorious shots along the ground, cracking pulls, excellent leaves, a rock-solid defence — this @klrahul innings has had it all. Phenomenal display for skills in demanding conditions. #INDvsSA
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 26, 2023
26 December 🤝 KL Rahul – it’s a forever kinda thing 🇮🇳💙 pic.twitter.com/W9wh409KNV
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 26, 2023
Rabada completed 500 wickets in International cricket.
– made his debut in 2014, South Africa plays less Tests compared to many but he has been their go to man, once in a generation bowler. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sCjfKk7igs
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 26, 2023
Brilliant counter-attacking batting by Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. A brilliant session of Test cricket.
Early wickets and then a re-building partnership. #INDvsSA https://t.co/0zrcnYRt8t
— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) December 26, 2023
Kagiso Rabada to Indian Batsman:
Welcome to the world of wildlife and hostile bowling. #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/pPDtPTyYfE
— Shubham Sakhuja (@ishubhamsakhuja) December 26, 2023
5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ moments of pure masterclass! 🇿🇦🙌#SAvIND #BoxingDayTest
📸: Getty pic.twitter.com/8MHrllWds3
— Joburg Super Kings (@JSKSA20) December 26, 2023
#INDvsSA
KL Rahul suiting up in his most superficial personality to face during SENA test tours pic.twitter.com/6HlcIQX6hT— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) December 26, 2023
🔥 First SIX off the match courtesy Shreyas Iyer.
It has been tough conditions till now and Shreyas – Kohli has grinded out well. pic.twitter.com/B4WHwHIVzf
— Knight Vibe (@KKRiderx) December 26, 2023
Rabada has been ruthless today as he gets his 14th Test five-for on Day 1 of the #BoxingDayTest 🔥
He is now 15 away from 300#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/cnGQT8UR0N
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 26, 2023
Rabada is closing in to 400 wickets already, and He is playing only his 61st Test match. Already a 🐐 bowler in this format, but since he isn’t an Australian or Englishman, so obviously, he won’t be hyped.
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) December 26, 2023
Came to bat at 92/4 and scored half century.
Well played KL Rahul. Shining in yet another overseas test pic.twitter.com/Hrh3gqkisW— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) December 26, 2023
Kagiso Rabada now has a test bowling strike rate of 39.4, the best by any bowler with a 100 plus wickets in the last 50 years 🔥🇿🇦🏏 #CricketTwitter
— Gills (@gpricey23) December 26, 2023
Comeback is always greater than the setback. Well played future Captain KL Rahul in these Alien Conditions.🔥❤️ pic.twitter.com/jXcTKrmugi
— !_👑🚩 (@bholination) December 26, 2023
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#IND #Twitter #reactions #Rahuls #fifty #India #hope #Kagiso #Rabadas #fifer #Day #Boxing #Day #Test
