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[Saba Sports News] In the second and final Test at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were instrumental in India’s historic victory over South Africa. The pair collectively took 15 wickets, contributing to India’s commanding seven-wicket win, their first in Cape Town. This triumph also marked the first time an Asian team won a Test match at this venue.
Siraj’s standout performance, including a six-wicket haul in the first innings, earned him the Player of the Match. His bowling was pivotal in dismissing South Africa for just 55 runs initially. During the award ceremony, Siraj chose Bumrah as his translator, but surprised everyone by responding in English, leading to a humorous moment between the two.
This Test, notable for being the shortest completed red-ball match with only 642 balls (107 overs) played, saw South Africa crumble on the first day. India, with Virat Kohli’s 46(59) and Kagiso Rabada’s five wickets, secured a 98-run lead. In their second innings, South Africa managed only a 78-run lead, with Bumrah and Siraj dominating; Bumrah claimed 6/61 and Siraj took a crucial wicket of Aiden Markram.
Bumrah achieved his ninth five-wicket haul in his 32nd Test, equaling Javagal Srinath’s record for an Indian bowler. Siraj’s performance was a career-best, and Bumrah was named joint Player of the Series with Dean Elgar, who scored 200 runs in the series.