India went from 153/4 to 153 all-out.
South Africa getting all out for 55 seemed like the most shocking event of the day or even the series. However, it ended up becoming a footnote after India’s innings fell apart within just 11 balls during the third session of the opening day.
In a historic first, Team India lost 6 wickets at the same score. They went from 153/4 at the start of the 34th over to 153 all-out with one ball left in the 36th.
The collapse began when Lungi Ngidi tore through India’s middle order in the 34th over, taking three wickets in five balls.
With India seeming comfortable at 153 for 4, Ngidi dismissed KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah in a triple-wicket maiden.
Shortly after, Kagiso Rabada forced an edge from Virat Kohli, exhausting India’s hopes of a comeback.
Nust two deliveries later, Mohammed Siraj was run out after a mix-up with Prasidh Krishna, whose dismissal off the following delivery meant India were bowled out for 153 in 33.5 overs, with a lead of 98 runs.
Before this dramatic batting collapse, Mohammed Siraj out on a stellar show earlier in the day, taking 6 wickets to dismantle the South African batting lineup, as they managed only 55 runs after their captain, Dean Elgar, chose to bat.
A total of 23 wickets fell on day 1, marking the highest number of wickets on the opening day of a Test since 1902.
India held a 98-run advantage before their sudden collapse. Mukesh Kumar secured two wickets, while Bumrah claimed one, as South Africa ended the day at 62/3, trailing India by 36 runs.
-By Aditya Ahuja