Aiden Markram’s dazzling century fails to halt India’s march towards series-equalizing victory
Aiden Markram’s scintillating century couldn’t shield South Africa from the impending threat of an Indian triumph at Newlands on Thursday.
Markram, with a breathtaking 106 off just 103 balls, showcased his prowess, steering South Africa to a total of 176 before succumbing to Indian bowlers shortly before lunch.
The morning session witnessed a fierce battle, as South Africa added 94 runs but lost seven crucial wickets.
Despite Markram’s heroics, the odds tilted in favor of India, seeking redemption after a first-test defeat in Centurion.
Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the chief tormentor, claiming six wickets for 61 runs. The intensity peaked when Markram, at 71, narrowly escaped Bumrah’s grasp as a catch eluded wicketkeeper KL Rahul.
Markram’s aggressive innings, featuring 17 fours and two towering sixes, one of which landed on a railway line beyond square leg, painted a vivid picture of his defiance against a bowler-friendly pitch. Notably, none of his teammates managed to surpass a score of 15 in either innings.
The 29-year-old’s spectacular show finally concluded when he attempted another big hit, caught at mid-off by Indian captain Rohit Sharma off Mohammed Siraj.
Despite Markram’s heroics, India needed only 79 runs to level the two-match series, setting the stage for an enthralling continuation of the Test at Newlands.
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