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[Saba Sports News] The India-South Africa Test series commenced at SuperSport Park, Centurion, with South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma opting to field first. During Nandre Burger’s debut bowling, Virat Kohli’s stump mic advice to Shreyas Iyer, “Ball dekhte rehna hath mein uske, kidhar pakda rahega,”caught viral attention.
India’s innings started shakily. Kagiso Rabada quickly dismissed Rohit Sharma at 13 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s short stint yielded 17 runs, followed by Shubman Gill’s early departure, leaving India at a precarious 24 for three. Burger’s debut bowling was instrumental in these early setbacks.
However, Kohli and Iyer steadied the ship, pushing the score to 92. Post-lunch, Rabada’s spell cut short their resistance, claiming Iyer and Kohli for 31 and 38 runs. Rabada’s impressive bowling continued, trapping Ashwin and leaving India at 121/6.
KL Rahul emerged as the standout, guiding the lower order to add 84 runs. By day’s end, India stood at 208/8, with Rahul unbeaten at 70, including ten fours and two sixes. Rabada, with a five-wicket haul, underscored his reputation, causing consistent trouble for the Indian batsmen.
The day concluded early due to poor light and rain after 59 overs, showcasing an eventful start to the Test series on Boxing Day.