India defeated South Africa by 108 runs inside three days in the first test match at Mohali yesterday. It was an excellent performance by the Indian spinners, but the Indian batsmen need to score more runs to put pressure on the South African batsmen in the rest of series. The batsmen who applied themselves on the pitch were able to score runs.
Here we look at the 5 reasons for India’s win in the first test match against South Africa.
- Preparing pitch according to India’s strength
After the last ODI at Mumbai, there were loud shots to prepare pitches that would help the India strengths i.e spinners. On the first day of the match, the pitch had a lot of bounce and there was a lot of dust coming out of the pitch. This continued till the 3rd day as India won the match by 108 runs. Indian spinners bowled much better than the South African spinners. With 3 more test matches to go in the series, there might be more spinning pitches to offer in Bangalore, Nagpur and Delhi which would be tough for the South African team.
- Murali Vijay contribution in both innings
Murali Vijay contribution came handy in both innings. In the first innings, when the Indian batsmen were struggling to score runs he came to the party. Dhawan, Pujara and Kohli all were dismissed in the first session, but Murali Vijay remained firm. After lunch, the loss of wickets continued as Rahane and Saha were dismissed. Vijay attacked the spinners and was finally dismissed for well made 75. In the second innings too Vijay looked solid and took the attack to the bowlers especially their spinners. He played a patient knock of 47 and stitched 84 runs partnership with Pujara for the second wicket.
- Pujara vital contribution in the second innings
Pujara played a crucial knock in the second innings. After India lost Shikhar Dhawan early again in the second innings, Pujara looked in good touch and played some solid strokes. Murali Vijay and Pujara played some sensible cricket putting 84 runs stand for the second wicket and another partnership with captain Kohli. Pujara was severe on the spinners and reached his fifty with a six to help India consolidate the lead at the end of the 2nd day and remained not out on 63. He was dismissed for 77 on the third day. His contribution in the second innings helped India set a difficult target of 218 for South Africa.
- Ravindra Jadeja all round contribution
Ravindra Jadeja was dropped from the test team after some poor performances. He was selected in the 15-man squad for the first two tests against South Africa. He was given a chance in the playing 11 in the first test. When India was struggling in the first innings at 154 for 7, Jadeja played an important knock of 38 which helped India to score 201. While bowling, he came and bowled brilliantly picking 8 wickets in the match and helping India to win the first test match by 108 runs. He was adjudged the man of the match for his all-round contribution.
- The Indian spinners making good use of the pitch
After being dismissed for 201 in the first innings on the opening day the Indian spinners were on the spot as Ashwin and Jadeja picked the first two South Africa wickets fell. Resuming on day 2 Ashwin, Mishra and Jadeja were the chief destroyers as between them they picked all the 10 wickets. Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers picking 5 wickets for 51 while Jadeja picked 3 wickets and Amit Mishra picked 2 wickets. In the second innings South Africa had to chase 218 runs to win, Ashwin and Jadeja began the slide picking the first 2 wickets. Mishra took the important wicket of AB De Villiers that changed the match in favor of India. Jadeja picked 5 in the second innings while Ashwin took 3, Mishra one and Aaron one. The Indian spinners bowled better lengths and did not allow the South African batsmen to score runs with ease and dismissed South Africa for 184 in the first innings and 109 in the second innings.