The second Test match between South Africa and India at Cape Town witnessed a remarkable twist on Day 1, leaving cricket enthusiasts in a state of shock and disbelief. Following an outstanding bowling display by India’s Mohammed Siraj, who successfully dismantled the South African batting lineup, the tide turned dramatically as India embarked on their own batting innings.
The highly anticipated contest at Newlands Stadium quickly became the focal point of discussion as India experienced an unprecedented collapse during their innings. In a startling turn of events, the team lost six wickets within a span of just 11 balls, with no runs being added to the scoreboard.
This unforeseen collapse of India’s batting order not only added an element of unpredictability to the match but also left fans and observers perplexed at the sudden downturn in the visitor’s fortunes after their initial success with the ball.
Dominating display by Mohammed Siraj
In a display of exceptional fast bowling, Siraj wreaked havoc on the South African batting order, limiting them to a mere 55 runs in the first innings. His remarkable figures of 6/15 set the stage for what seemed like a commanding lead for India. The fans were quick to laud Siraj’s extraordinary performance, celebrating the prowess of the Indian fast bowler.
India’s batting collapse
Despite a promising start, India’s batting lineup faced a sudden downfall, ultimately getting bowled out for 153 runs in response. Virat Kohli led the charge with a top score of 46 runs, supported by notable contributions from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. However, the most surprising aspect was the swift collapse that saw six wickets tumble within 11 balls without any addition to the scoreboard.
Historic collapse in Test cricket
Notably, it marked the first instance in Test cricket history where a team lost six wickets without a single run being added to the scoreboard. Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, and Lungi Ngidi were the architects of India’s downfall, each claiming three wickets to orchestrate a remarkable turnaround for South Africa.
Indian bowlers set the stage once again
Although batters couldn’t gain a comprehensive lead, India bowlers once again showed resilience and claimed three wickets before the stumps were called on Day 1 with South Africa 62-3, trailing by 36 runs.
Also READ: Top 5 lowest team totals against India in Test cricket
Netizens’ confusion and amazement
With a total of 23 wickets falling in a single day, netizens were left in a state of confusion and amazement. The unexpected turn of events sparked a meme fest on social media platforms, with creative minds sharing their humorous takes on India’s batting collapse. Simultaneously, some fans expressed their frustrations, unable to comprehend the sudden downfall of a team that displayed dominance in the match.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Start of the third innings on the first day of a Test match? When was the last time we saw this? 🤯😅 #INDvsSA
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) January 3, 2024
6 wickets for 0 runs!
Dragons in Game of Thrones have shorter tails than this Indian batting lineup.#INDvsSA— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) January 3, 2024
20 wickets in under 60 overs and we are still moaning about turners! I am a fan of both just to be sure where batting is a challenge, but just can’t accept that one is better than the other. India should pick up atleast 5 before the lead is wiped out! #INDvsSA
— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) January 3, 2024
6 wickets in 11 balls without a single run.#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/27ist8J1tJ
— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) January 3, 2024
ICT Fans watching #INDvsSA
Indian Bowling Indian Batting pic.twitter.com/lhYjUJXswT
— Divya ahir (@Divyaahirr) January 3, 2024
Indian cricket fans reaction after Team India lost 6 wickets in last 11 balls#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/qH7JzIxjM9
— 👑Che_ಕೃಷ್ಣ🇮🇳💛❤️ (@ChekrishnaCk) January 3, 2024
Sunil Gavaskar said “Whenever there’s a collapse in a test match, India misses the services of MS Dhoni he used to save India from these situations”#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/KVwFJa5mw6
— 𝐌𝐫𝐢𝐧 (@legendmsd_07) January 3, 2024
Nigidi to Indian batting #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/pKeddNvT8K
— U M A R (@Agrumpycomedian) January 3, 2024
IND was just a ‘KOHLI’ away from batting collapse. He was the wall here. #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/CxEwMHh5Hm
— Yashvi (@BreatheKohli) January 3, 2024
So beautiful so elegant just looking like a…#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/W2dLLejFeb
— Viraj Pradhan (@GenericTallGuy) January 3, 2024
those who went for break and India collapse 6 wickets. #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/m0KPtRa64p
— Jai Upadhyay (@jay_upadhyay14) January 3, 2024
#Ravishastri never holds anything back … summed up the Indian collapse brutally ..
20 wickets have fallen on the first day.. pitch or landmine? #INDvsSA #Siraj pic.twitter.com/sPqGtKDbcN
— Achilles (@Searching4ligh1) January 3, 2024
Pic 1: Bowlers Day 1.
Pic 2 Batsmen Day 1.#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/X5wuG9fpAt— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) January 3, 2024
