NEW DELHI: India emerged victorious against South Africa with a resounding seven-wicket win in the second Test at the very ground where pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah made his Test debut.
Bumrah's spectacular six-wicket haul in the second innings played a pivotal role in wrapping up the match in just one and half days, with South Africa setting a target of 79 runs.
Expressing his joy on Instagram, Bumrah captioned a post, "Special day, special match," encapsulating the significance of the win for him personally.
The pacer was rightfully crowned as India's 'Player of the Series,' amassing 12 wickets across two matches, including a stellar performance in the second Test with figures of 6/61.
Bumrah's impactful contributions extended to the first Test at Centurion, where he claimed a four-wicket haul, securing his position as the leading wicket-taker in the series.
In the post-match presentation, Bumrah shared his sentiments about the ground, stating, "This ground will always hold a special place in my heart. It was always a dream to play Test cricket, and the journey started here, with fond memories of my first game. Very happy that it went well today as well."
1/9:Five shortest Tests in history: India's record-breaking victory
ANI
2/9:India's Historic Victory
India's victory in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town broke many records, most notably becoming the shortest completed Test match in the history of the game, lasting just 642 balls.PTI
3/9:1. Shortest Match in Test Cricket
The match at Newlands was the 2,522nd Test to be played since England met Australia in Melbourne in 1877. It was also the shortest.PTI
4/9:2. Previous Shortest Test Match
South Africa were also participants in the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1932 that previously held the record as they were dismissed for a combined total of 81 across their two innings.Getty Images
5/9:3. Bridgetown Test in 1935
England secured a four-wicket win over the West Indies in January 1935 in Bridgetown in a slightly bizarre game where both sides made tactical declarations to try and make the most of the bowler-friendly conditions.Agencies
6/9:4. Old Trafford Test in 1888
WG Grace top-scored with 38 as England caught Australia on a sticky track at Old Trafford to claim an innings victory in the 1888 Ashes.Agencies
7/9:5. Lord's Test in 1888
Just six weeks earlier the boot was on the other foot as Australia beat England by 61 runs at Lord's, 27 wickets falling on the second day, which remains a record for most wickets in a single day's Test cricket.Getty Images
8/9:Record-breaking Day 1 in Cape Town
Twenty-three wickets fell on the opening day as South Africa, who elected to bat first, were shot out before lunch for just 55. India were then dismissed for 153, losing their last six wickets for zero runs.PTI
9/9:Aiden Markram' Brilliant Century
The Proteas fared marginally better in the second dig with Aiden Markram scoring a brilliant century. But India knocked off the runs for a seven-wicket win, the match lasting just 107 overs.AFPReflecting on India's strategy, Bumrah emphasized the importance of consistent bowling, especially in foreign conditions. "Our team is also going through a transition. A lot of the bowlers have been changed, but the message is still the same, you have to keep fighting. It is not easy playing in South Africa, different conditions, the crowd are also something."
He expressed surprise at the rapid conclusion of the match, stating, "I did not expect the game to go this fast, I have never played a shorter Test match in my life."
(With inputs from ANI)
