‘Siraj out of form ho toh rest nahi karta bounceback karta hai’- Fans react as Mohammed Siraj break South Africa’s batting momentum with a six-wicket haul
After losing the first test match of the two-match series at Centurion by an innings and 32 runs, Indian bowlers have made a sensational comeback against the Proteas in the second test at Cape Town leaving them reeling at 45/7 after just 18 overs.
Stand-in captain Dean Elgar’s decision to bat first seemed strategic, considering India’s historical struggles at Newlands. However, this move quickly turned into a nightmare as Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc, claiming sensational figures of 6/15 in nine overs.
The Proteas, in the opening 18 overs, found themselves in a dire situation with only 45 runs on the board and seven wickets down. Elgar’s call to bat first backfired, bringing back memories of India’s loss in the first Test by an innings. Siraj’s brilliance was evident from the early dismissals, having Aiden Markram and Elgar himself back in the pavilion with minimal runs on the board.
Record-Breaking Performance
Siraj’s exceptional performance was complemented by the pace-spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who accounted for the talented Tristan Stubbs. Tony de Zorzi fell victim to Siraj’s precision, showcasing India’s dominance in the bowling department. The post-break session saw the duo of Siraj and Yashasvi Jaiswal removing key batsmen, including David Bedingham and Marco Jansen.
Indian bowlers achieved a rare feat, marking only the fourth instance of South Africa losing both openers for single-digit scores in an innings in 42 home Tests since 2014-15. Interestingly, the last three instances occurred against India, highlighting the visitors’ prowess.
Siraj’s Exceptional Performance
Mohammed Siraj’s fifer concluded with the dismissal of Jansen, showcasing his skill and precision. With figures of 8-3-9-5, Siraj emerged as the standout performer, underlining his crucial role in India’s commanding position on Day 1.
The Proteas’ struggle to reach double-digit scores on Day 1 was a testament to India’s bowling prowess. This unique occurrence added to South Africa’s historical challenges against India, specifically at venues like Newlands.
Indian team’s exceptional bowling performance led by Mohammed Siraj created a furore on social media praising the Indian bowling comeback after a humiliating defeat in the first test.
Here are some of the tweets on X:
Siraj out of form ho tou rest nahi karta bounceback karta hai.#SAvsIND pic.twitter.com/01IwA3ZlKQ
— Wasay Habib (@wwasay) January 3, 2024
World Cup wali ball mngwayi hai Shami se Red paint krke.
— बड़ा भीम 💛 (@bdaabheem) January 3, 2024
Siraj on fire today 🥵#SAvsIND pic.twitter.com/8Ikd8TSkg1
— Rajabets 🇮🇳👑 (@smileagainraja) January 3, 2024
Mohammad Siraj ✊🏼🪄.. What aggression🔥 #SAvsIND
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) January 3, 2024
Brilliant Performance Siraj 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZakQrcn2bW
— Shivaye 🔱 (@shivaye01) January 3, 2024
Miya is definitely giving some magical moments pic.twitter.com/1U7xUcXx1p
— Amit Shah (Parody) (@Motabhai012) January 3, 2024
Miyan Bhai 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fjRdJGlyxp
— Karthik (@vsk_says) January 3, 2024