India won the series 3-0 (Source: Twitter)
On this day, seven years ago, the South African pair of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers delivered a terrific effort of stonewalling to save the test match. However, the Indian team managed to seal the victory by 337 runs at Delhi.
India opted to bat first and got off to a good start with contributions from Shikhar Dhawan (33) and skipper Virat Kohli (44). Afterwards, Ajinkya Rahane (127) was sublime during his stay at the crease.
In the end, the knock of Ravichandran Ashwin (56) paved the way for the hosts to finish on a total of 334. Kyle Abbott was the pick of the bowlers for the Proteas with five wickets.
In response, South Africa certainly succumbed to the proficient Ravindra Jadeja, who got sharp turn from the surface and scalped five wickets. Only Ab de Villiers (42) could display resistance, as South Africa were bundled out for 121.
In the second innings, India declared on 267/5, with stupendous knocks from Rahane (100) and Kohli (88), setting a target of 481 for South Africa.
The visitors opted a defensive approach and tried to save the fixture, despite getting more than 150 overs to chase the score. Ashwin took the wickets of Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma early.
Ab de Villiers and Hashim Amla (Source: Twitter)
However, skipper Hashim Amla was sensational with his blockathon with his soft hands on a slow surface. His much-needed calmness helped de Villers, who despite being a T20 superstar, displayed grit and defended the ball in a proficient manner.
However, Jadeja got the ball to turn sharply, drawing Amla (25 off 244 balls) forward and ruffling his off-stump. The scoreline of South Africa read 76/3 in the 85th over. Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy fell in quick succession, while de Villiers (43 off 297 balls) became a victim to Ashwin.
Ashwin claimed a five-wicket haul as India dismissed South Africa for a total of 143, and won the series 3-0.
Read more: Russell Domingo backs Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim
 "Tejas Rathi")
