On this day in 1996: India beat South Africa in a low-scoring Test

Indian cricket fans would never forget the India vs South Africa clash which took place back in November 1996. Under the captaincy of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian team claimed a historic 64-run win over South Africa, making it the first instance of India defeating the Proteas in a Test match, courtesy of Javagal Srinath.

The Ahmedabad crowd witnessed one of the best fast-bowling displays in the subcontinent as India defeated South Africa in their opening Test match. The South African batters were destroyed by Javagal Srinath’s six miraculous deliveries and the visitors fell apart from 96/4 to 105 all out while chasing just 170 to win.

Many individuals were raised with the idea that India’s most effective tool was spin. That wasn’t the case anymore because India’s pace unit proved to be lethal. The pacers debunked all the myths and stories that day because, on that particular day, Srinath’s victory over the best squad in the world set the standard. The finest thing about Srinath’s captives was that he took two wickets in two balls on three instances.

The host team decided to bat first. Tendulkar scored the most, 42, as India was dismissed for 223. South Africa could only build a meagre advantage of 21 runs as India’s Sunil Joshi stood out with the ball in the first innings, returning with 4 wickets, comprising the likes of Daryll Cullinan, Jonty Rhodes, and Brian McMillan.

After performing brilliantly in the first innings and picking up four wickets, Allan Donald once again took control with the ball in the second innings and skittled India for 190. As a result, South Africa needed just 170 runs to win. Before the South Africans even got going, Srinath dismissed Andrew Hudson and Daryl Cullinan, and from that point on, things went terribly nasty for the Proteas.

For the second time in the innings, Srinath took two wickets in two deliveries to end a hazardous 31-run fifth wicket stand between Cronje and Dave Richardson. He first got rid of the latter before dismissing the threatening Rhodes for a golden duck. It was effectively the end of the South African quest.

Cleaning up Donald and Paul Adams helped Srinath finish the necessary formalities. His outstanding 6/21 in just 11.5 overs helped India dismiss South Africa for a dismal 105, giving the hosts a historic 64-run triumph on Day 4 alone.