South Africa were 94 for four at the close, needing 305 runs to win.
Before bowling nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj in the final over of the day, Bumrah bowled a stunning delivery that cut back sharply to finish Rassie van der Dussen’s lengthy defensive effort. On a wicket with inconsistent bounce, Elgar batted for more over three hours and made 52 not out. Elgar, whose opening partner Aiden Markram was bowled by Mohammed Shami in the second over of the game, put forth an usually determined performance.
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South Africa’s opening partnerships have been abysmal in their past three Tests, with a score of 0, 1, 4, 2 and 1 respectively. Elgar and van der Dussen (11) made the bowlers work for more than 22 overs on a scorching afternoon before the latter succumbed to Bumrah. Keegan Petersen scored 17 before being caught behind off Mohammed Siraj.
It was a day of contrasts. India eked out 63 runs for the loss of three wickets in the morning, seeing off the shine and hardness of a ball which was still relatively new. But the match moved ahead rapidly during an extended afternoon session.
With an overall advantage of 209, India took a more aggressive approach in the afternoon, scoring 95 runs in 18.3 overs despite losing their last seven wickets. Despite skipper Virat Kohli succumbing to the first ball after lunch, edging a drive from towering left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen angled over him, the Indian batters went for their strokes as wickets followed at regular intervals.
Ajinkya Rahane smashed Jansen for four sixes in a row before getting caught in the deep in his next over by the same bowler. Risabh Pant had a customary aggressive innings, scoring 34 from 34 balls to take the lead. Kagiso Rabada took four for 42 and Jansen took four for 55 on his debut.