The South African cricket team, led by Hansie Cronje arrived in India to play two Test matches and five ODIs in early 2000. Sachi Tendulkar led India in the Test series, while Sourav Ganguly spearheaded the Men in Blue in the ODIs. This turned out to be an iconic series featuring two teams who had several world-class players in their line-ups.
The Test series saw the debuts of Wasim Jaffer and Murali Kartik for India and Nicky Boje for South Africa. During the red-ball matches, Nayan Mongia became the third Indian wicketkeeper to complete 100 dismissals in Tests. Javagal Srinath became the first Indian bowler to bag 50 wickets against the Proteas in the longest format of the game. Legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis also went past the 2000-run mark in Test matches.
While several records and achievements hogged the limelight during the Test series, it’s important to take an in-depth look into the two matches which embodies South Africa’s grit and determination as a nation.
First Test – Mumbai
The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai hosted the first Test in February. Tendulkar won the toss and opted to bat first. South Africa got off to a fantastic start as they sent debutant Jaffer packing in the fifth over. VVS Laxman fought hard but was eventually dismissed for 16. The Master Blaster played a fantastic knock under pressure, as he scored 97 off 163 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes. Ajit Agarkar scored an unbeaten 41, but the rest of the Indian batters faltered, as the hosts were bowled out for 225 but their bowlers managed to dismiss South Africa for 176.
The South African bowlers needed to step up and so they did in India’s second innings. Shaun Pollock stood out with a four-wicket haul, while Cronje also bagged three wickets as India were dismissed for just 113. South Africa chased down the 163-run target with four wickets to spare as Herschelle Gibbs top-scored with a 46.
Second Test – Bengaluru
The second Test in the riveting series was played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in March 2000. The home side won the toss and elected to bat first once again. This time, Jaffer and Dravid stitched a sedate 29-run stand, but South Africa fought back by taking two wickets in consecutive overs. India lost wickets at regular intervals after this point and were eventually bowled out for 158.
In reply, Gary Kirsten, Boje, Kallis, Daryll Cullinan, and Lance Klusener struck half-centuries as the Rainbow Nation finished on 479, taking a whopping 321-run lead. Mohammad Azharuddin scored a century in India’s second innings but the other batters couldn’t do much damage.
A Historic Moment for South Africa
India were bowled out for 250, losing the match by an innings and 71 runs. Boje bagged a five-for for South Africa in the third innings of the game. This was South Africa’s first-ever Test series win on Indian soil. Gary Kirsten became the first South Africa player to reach 4000 Test runs. 25 years later, Temba Bavuma-led South Africa defeated India in India in a Test series last year.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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