OTD: A bewildering two-and-a-half-day Test in Cape Town in 2011

It was on November 11, 2011, when a Test match went the T20 way and ended in just over two days. This match was played between South Africa and Australia at Newlands, Cape Town, and was the first match of the two-Test series.

On a spicy pitch in Cape Town, South Africa, captain Graeme Smith won the toss and chose to bowl first. Dale Steyn blew away the Aussie top order with wickets of Shane Watson (3), Shaun Marsh (44), and Ricky Ponting (8). Michael Clarke made 151 with 22 fours that put Australia on the path to a good total. A couple of twenties by Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle meant that Australia made 284. Steyn took four wickets, while Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel took three wickets each.

However, South Africa performed poorly, as they were bowled out for 96, with only Graeme Smith (37) and Jacques Kallis (18) getting into double figures as Shane Watson took 5/17, while Ryan Harris took 4/33.

Day one wasn’t done, as three more wickets fell, with Shane Watson, Phil Hughes, and Ricky Ponting dismissed by Steyn, Morkel, and Philander, making it a 23-wicket day. Australia were extremely poor in their second innings, as they were folded for merely 47 runs, with Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon getting into double figures. Vernon Philander took five wickets, and Morne Morkel took three scalps, as South Africa was set 236 runs to win the Test.

Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith hit hundreds in the chase. Smith made 101* with 15 fours, while Amla made 112 with 21 fours as South Africa won the Test by eight wickets and went 1-0 up in the two-Test series, with the Test ending in record quick time. Philander won the Player of the Match for his eight wickets.

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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