Sensational India claim consolation victory in third test versus South Africa

Cricket - India v South Africa - Third Test match - The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - January 27, 2018. India’s Mohammed Shami appeals successfully for the wicket of Lungi Ngidi. REUTERS/James Oatway


JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Superb seam bowling allowed India to rip through South Africa’s batting line-up and seal a 63-run consolation victory on day four of the third and final test at the Wanderers on Saturday.

Chasing 241 for victory on a wicket with pace, bounce and prodigious lateral movement, South Africa were on top at 124 for one, but lost their last nine wickets for just 53 runs as India roared back into the contest.

Dean Elgar (86 not out) and Hashim Amla (52) had given South Africa hope with a 119-run second wicket stand.

Cricket - India v South Africa - Third Test match - The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - January 27, 2018. South Africa’s Vernon Philander is bowled out by Mohammed Shami. REUTERS/James Oatway

However, South Africa lost their way following Amla's dismissal 20 minutes before tea, with four batsmen out for ducks.

The wickets were shared between the excellent Mohammed Shami (5-28), Ishant Sharma (2-31), Jasprit Bumrah (2-57) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1-39).

South African claim the series 2-1 after victories in Cape Town and Pretoria.

(Reporting By Nick Said, editing by Pritha Sarkar)