South Africa vs India 2017-18: India's Poor Record at Newlands

After a successful run in the long home season, Indian cricket team will now start its scheduled tour against South Africa from January 5 at Newlands. India has a poor record at this picturesque ground despite playing four matches. Team India have managed to draw two matches while losing the other two by huge margins.

However, this time it is a different story as this young team is very competitive and loves to take challenges. Virat Kohli’s team is confident about winning and bring change in their fortunes.

Here is a summary of the four Tests, featuring two South African victories and two draws:

January 1993, fourth and final Test: draw

The South African team led by Kepler Wessels registered 360 for nine declared at a run-rate of 2.10 (Jonty Rhodes 86, Brian McMillan 52), but then the Indians, in a strange manner had no urgency, countered with 276 in all of 151.4 overs in their first dig. Sachin Tendulkar played one of the slowest innings of 73 off 208 balls.

The hosts then went into a patient mode in their second innings, registering 130 for six declared in 97 overs and setting India a nominal target of 215 late on the last day.

India was at 29 for one when the Test match ended as South Africa won the series with an only win at Port Elizabeth.

January 1997, second of three Tests: SA won by 282 runs

South Africa, who named the squad for the first Test of 2018 series against India, clinched this series early, as they powered their way to a 2-0 lead only this time in an altogether more tough contest than witnessed four years earlier.

South Africa posted 529 for seven declared after winning the toss on a flat with the help of three centuries. India were struggling at 58 for five when master blaster Sachin Tendulkar stuck to his anchoring task, playing a plenty of majestic strokes, while seasoned Mohammad Azharuddin took the fight to the SA attack, smashing 115 at more than a run a ball in a sixth-wicket partnership of 222.

Tendulkar got out at 169 on his way to score quick runs as he ran out of partners as India finished 170 runs short.

Proteas then declared six down after going past 250 again with half-tons from McMillan, Daryll Cullinan and Hudson.

India was then bundled out for 144 while chasing an impossible total of 427 runs. Allan Donald and Paul Adams bagged three wickets each.

January 2007, third and final Test: SA won by five wickets

The match started on a positive note for India, as they compiled a healthy first inning score of 414 with opener Wasim Jaffer’s 116. Shaun Pollock and Paul Harris took four-wicket hauls each.

South Africa then fell a little short in reply as they posted 373 with their skipper Graeme Smith scoring 94 in a tough situation. However, the game turned upside down when India were bundled out for just 169 runs in the second attempt with young Dale Steyn bagging 4/30.

With 211 runs needed for the match and series, Smith again led the assault with 55 as they reached the target with five wickets down.

January 2011, third and final Test: draw

All-rounder Jacques Kallis presented a monumental batting performance as he registered 161 out of 362 and then 109 not out in the SA second innings of 341 ensuring that the Proteas didn’t lose the series.

Little master Sachin Tendulkar struck 146 in the first innings at a preferable away venue for him.

South Africa put a target of 340 for India in the last day, thanks to Kallis’ special obstinacy in his second turn.

India put 166 for three on the board after 82 overs when the umpires called it for the day.

Here is the newsfeed:

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Follow India’s Tour to South Africa 2017-18 here: SOUTH AFRICA VS INDIA 2018