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ToggleTeam India continued to be on top of the Pune Test match against South Africa as the visitor’s trail by runs in the first innings. However, the tailenders – Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj resisted well before Ravichandran Ashwin finished the proceedings with two quick wickets.
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The visitors resumed at 36 for three with de Bruyn and nightwatchman Nortje in the crease trailing by 565 runs. Shami, who bowled brilliantly in the last session, made an immediate effect removing the nightwatchman in the second over of the day.
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With skipper Faf du Plessis by his side, Theunis de Bruyn looked composed and played some delightful shots. After failing to put runs in the first Test, the South African batter would have been desperate to put runs on the board to stake claim for his place in the playing XI. But an outstanding diving catch from Wriddhiman Saha put curtains on his innings.
Virat Kohli immediately brought the spinners and Ravichandran Ashwin struck with a brilliant delivery to get Quinton de Kock out. Ravindra Jadeja followed the suit to get Senuran Muthusamy out before Ashwin sent back skipper Faf du Plessis to have South Africa at 162 for eight.
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Since then, Keshav Maharaj and Vernon Philander resisted the stretch their total adding 100+ runs for the ninth wicket. In the process, Maharaj registered his fifty and looked to go back at the end of the day’s play unscathed.
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But a moment of brilliance from Ravichandran Ashwin gave India the breakthrough at the fag end of the day as he removed Vernon Philander to claim South Africa’s ninth wicket. Ashwin kept up his good work to remove Kagiso Rabada to bowl out South Africa for 275, thus taking a lead of 326 runs.
Twitter Reactions
Looks a good Test pitch in India ?? Runs, wickets for both seamers and spinners and you can hang in the there when need be ?
— Robin John Peterson (@robbie13flair) October 12, 2019
No escape from @ashwinravi99 on home pitches. Sooner or later he will snuff you out. Masterly performance yet again??
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 12, 2019
Lead 326. I think India will bat a session and a bit and leave South Africa with about 450 to get
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 12, 2019
to ensure they get off to good starts against india, opposition line ups should stack their top order with tailenders #INDvSA
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) October 12, 2019
South African spinners might not have their job with the ball. But surely they have delivered with the bat. Top effort from Keshav Maharaj despite nursing a shoulder injury. #INDvsSA
— Gautam Chauhan? (@Gautamchauhan2) October 12, 2019
Maharaj is King .. what a wonderful partnership with The Vern #INDvSA This is what they needed early in the innings . Finally making the Indian bowlers work for a wicket !!
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) October 12, 2019
SA tail is giving top order object lesson in obdurate, plucky resistance
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 12, 2019
He may be on the cusp of turning 35 but Wriddhiman Saha remains the only wicketkeeper in India who you would pay to watch for to enjoy his skills behind the wickets #INDvSA
— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) October 12, 2019
Rohit Sharma fan invades pitch in 2nd test to touch Rohit's feet. Lovely scenes??#INDvSA #Hitman #RohitSharma #FanMoment pic.twitter.com/hseI18yD0B
— Manish (@iHitman7) October 12, 2019
If its King for India
Then its Maharaj for South Africa
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) October 12, 2019
Got hit for nearly 200 runs. Churned out almost 50 overs in relentless spells. Injured his shoulder while trying to field. Now hits a 50 half fit with team in disarray. Got to love Keshav Maharaj's resolve. #INDvsSA
— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) October 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/kgaugelo_SM/status/1182881832339156993?s=20