On This Day: India inflict a whitewash upon South Africa

India have maintained their dominance in both Test and ODI format of cricket for quite some time now. Under the leadership of one of the finest batsmen, Virat Kohli, the national side has had a great time in overseas series too. There has been neck to neck competition among players in the national side to show their calibre when given a chance. This is how the team has been able to maintain its upper hand in the majority of the events.

To talk of the year 2019, India registered one of their biggest victories against South Africa in the third Test of the ICC World Championship Test Series in Ranchi. For the information, India’s victory over the Proteas team before this match (2nd Test of the series) was the biggest victory. The win helped India pocket the series 3-0.

Batting first in Ranchi, Virat Kohli and company declared on a huge 497/9. Ajinkya Rahane smashed a scintillating ton (115) to push the team towards a big score, but the story didn’t end here. Hitman Rohit Sharma batted in a destructive mood and broke the back of South African bowlers. He smashed a breathtaking double ton (212) to steal all the limelight. George Linde got a four-wicket haul to his name while Kagiso Rabada took three wickets to help the South African team.

South Africa just had a forgettable Time

When South Africa came out to bat, nobody showed the intent of chasing such a huge target, and the whole unit was bundled up for mere 162 runs. Zubayr Hamza’s 62 remained the highest individual score from the team’s end, while George Linde and Temba Bavuma added their brief contributions. Umesh Yadav created magic as he dismissed three batsmen while Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shahbaz Nadeem got two wickets each on their name.

As the visitors collapsed for such a meagre total, they faced a follow-on. Their second innings remained even terrible as the entire team collapsed for just 133 runs. Shami again maintained his pace dominance by naming three scalps to his credit while Nadeem and Yadav got two each under their belts.

With South Africa’s forgettable batting show, India won the Test by an innings and 202 runs. The guests were stunned by the sheer heroics displayed by Indian bowlers and batsmen on their soil. Rohit Sharma was adjudged as the man of the match, undoubtedly.