4. India vs South Africa, 2010
Against India in Kolkata Graeme Smith departed even before South Africa’s score could reach double digits (9 for 1) Amla settled easily into the groove and came up with an assured 209-run partnership. He returned to the crease three days later and remained till Harbhajan Singh broke the stubborn resistance of Morne Morkel.
As Amit Mishra bowled the 131st over of the innings, with South Africa a minimum of 18 balls from survival, the stands at the Eden Gardens resembled a cauldron about to bubble over. The only man impervious to it all was Hashim Amla. Leg break, googly, slider – it made no difference to him. As each ball was painstakingly kept out with no hint of fatigue, some fans became exasperated. Then Harbhajan Singh took the wicket of Morne Morkel and India won. That was the turning point of the match.