India Suffers Dramatic Batting Collapse on Opening Day of Second Test Against South Africa (Image: Cricket South Africa)

In an unprecedented turn of events at Newlands in Cape Town, India faced a sudden and severe batting collapse, losing six wickets in just 11 balls without adding a run on the scoreboard during the opening day of the second Test against South Africa.

The downfall was initiated by Lungi Ngidi in the 34th over, securing three wickets in five balls, including KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah in a triple-wicket maiden over when India seemed comfortable at 153 for four. The following over saw Kagiso Rabada dismissing Virat Kohli, dashing any hopes of a fightback by India. In a mix-up with Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj was run out, and Krishna”s subsequent dismissal meant India was bowled out for 153 in 33.5 overs, holding a lead of 98 runs.

Earlier in the day, Siraj had shone with six wickets, decimating the South African batting lineup, which was bundled out for a mere 55 after choosing to bat.

Siraj, after demonstrating exceptional skill on the pitch, expressed his desire to rectify his performance from the Centurion Test. He commented, “I wanted to hit one area consistently, and I did that and got rewarded for it. The wicket looks quite similar to Centurion.”

Reflecting on the partnership with Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj highlighted their focus on bowling many maidens, a contrast from the previous Test match. He noted, as quoted as Sportstar, “Bowling so many maidens did create pressure. On these wickets, where the ball is doing so much, often bowlers tend to think to do too many things, but one should just stick to one line. If you hit the right areas, the wickets will come automatically.”