A Look Back at India’s Last Test in Cape Town

In the annals of cricket history, each defeat carries its own narrative, and India’s last Test in Cape Town against South Africa in 2022 is no exception. The series-deciding third Test of the 2021/22 series at the Newlands Stadium witnessed a roller-coaster of emotions, as Team India fought hard but ultimately succumbed to a seven-wicket loss, allowing the Proteas to clinch the series 2-1.

Opting to bat first, India had a decent start, with Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli anchoring the innings with scores of 43 and 79, respectively. However, the lower-order collapse, led by Kagiso Rabada’s four-wicket haul, limited India to a modest 223. The Proteas, in response, faced a formidable challenge from Jasprit Bumrah, whose fabulous five-wicket haul restricted them to 210. Keegan Petersen’s resilient 72 off 166 stood out in a closely contested first innings battle.

With a lead of just 13 runs, India needed a solid second-innings performance to set a challenging target. Unfortunately, the potent Proteas pace attack wreaked havoc on the Indian top-order, reducing them to a precarious 58/4. Virat Kohli’s wicket for 29 added to India’s woes. However, in the midst of adversity, Rishabh Pant played a memorable knock, scoring a brilliant century (100 off 139 balls). Pant’s fearless innings, adorned with six boundaries and four sixes, propelled India to a competitive target of 212 for the Proteas in the fourth innings.

Despite the optimism surrounding India’s target, the Proteas’ top-order exhibited resilience and determination. Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar made contributions of 16 and 30, respectively. However, it was Keegan Petersen who emerged as the hero of the chase, smashing 10 fours on his way to a crucial 82 that tilted the scales in favor of South Africa. The quality Indian bowling attack found no answers to Petersen’s command, crushing all hopes for Team India.

In a thrilling conclusion to the match, Rassie van der Dussen, remaining unbeaten with a resilient 41*, and his partner Temba Bavuma, contributing an impressive 32*, orchestrated a match-winning partnership of 57 runs. This unbroken alliance not only secured the victory for South Africa but also cemented their triumph in the series with a 2-1 lead. The duo’s composed batting performance underscored South Africa’s resilience and determination throughout the run-chase. 

The hosts’ success prompted Team India to engage in introspection, pondering over the opportunities that slipped through their grasp and acknowledging the exceptional prowess displayed by their opponents. The series, characterized by its competitive spirit, showcased the ebb and flow of cricketing prowess, leaving fans and pundits alike to applaud the captivating journey witnessed on the cricket field.

India’s last Test in Cape Town against South Africa in 2022 was a testament to the unpredictable nature of cricket. Despite commendable individual performances, Team India fell short in the face of a determined Proteas side. Rishabh Pant’s century and Jasprit Bumrah’s heroics were standout moments in a series that showcased the intensity and competitiveness of Test cricket.