SA vs Ind 2nd Test, Day 4: India lose crucial wickets, post 35-3 at stumps

Centurion: India struggled their way to 35-3 at stumps on Day four of the second Test match, still 252 runs behind the target of 287.

The visitors had a forgettable start, as they lost openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul in a flurry.

The huge moment for the hosts came when Lungi Ngidi continued his good form, scalping the wicket of captain Virat Kohli.

Earlier, the visitors had bowled out the Proteas for 258, needing to chase down a target of 287 runs. Mohammed Shami ( three wickets) and Jasprit Bumrah (three wickets) were the stars of the India bowlers.

For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada was the other wicket-taker, and he finished the day with a spell of 1 for 9 from five overs.

While Faf du Plessis’ men will hope to seal the series on Tuesday, the Men in Blue will depend on the rest of the batsmen to chase down the total.

India 26-3 from 16 overs

WICKET! Lungi Ngidi has dismissed the big man Virat Kohli, as India's worries continue.

India 16-2 from 11.1 overs

WICKET! KL Rahul has departed for four runs, as Lungi Ngidi gets his first wicket in this innings.

India 11-1 from 7.5 overs

WICKET! India have suffered an early blow as Kagiso Rabada dismisses Murali Vijay. Vijay has been clean bowled by the pacer.

South Africa 2nd innings

South Africa were bowled out for 258 in their second innings by the visitors, giving India a target of 287 to chase down.

The main highlight of South Africa’s innings was that of AB de Villiers and Dean Elgar , who scored 80 and 61 respectively.

For India, Mohammed Shami took four wickets, whereas Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets.

Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma, too, got a couple of wickets, as it was another session dominated by India.

South Africa 245-9 from 88.4 overs

WICKET! Captain Faf du Plessis has departed for 48, as Jasprit Bumrah takes the dangerman's wicket.

South Africa 245-8 from 87.2 overs

WICKET! Mohammed Shami has got his fourth wicket in this match, as he sees off Kagiso Rabada, courtesy a catch by captain Kohli at second slip.

Tea break report

Ishant Sharma took two wickets, that of Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj, as India continued giving the Proteas a tough life at Centurion, as South Africa posted 230-7 at tea break.

It was another session that belonged to the visitors, as they just conceded 57 runs in the post-lunch session.

South Africa now have a lead of 258 runs.

India will look to bowl out the Proteas in the third session of the day, and will hope to chase down the target on Day 5.

South Africa 215-7 from 76 overs

WICKET!Ishant Sharma strikes again as he removes Keshav Maharaj, departs for 6 runs

South Africa 209-6 from 73.4 overs

WICKET! Ishant Sharma gets his first wicket, as Murali Vijay takes a catch at square leg to dismiss Vernon Philander.

South Africa 200-5 from 65 overs

The hosts have reach the double ton mark. The lead has also gone beyond 200. Will India find a breakthrough?

Lunch break report

India kept their chances of a series equaliser alive on Day four of the 2nd Test vs South Africa as they struck with three wickets in the morning session.

South Africa ended day three with just two wickets and 90 runs on board, both wickets coming from Jasprit Bumrah. The hosts seemed set for a big score with the likes of AB de Villiers and Dean Elgar together at the crease, having put together a 51-run partnership.

But Mohammed Shami revived hopes by claiming three wickets in the morning session. First to depart was AB de Villiers, followed southpaw Elgar, both set batsmen at the crease.

Quinton de Kock soon followed their footsteps after nicking one to Parthiv Patel behind the stumps. With the Proteas currently holding a lead of over 200 runs, Kohli’s men will aim to pick up as many wickets as possible in the post-lunch session.

South Africa 163-5 from 47.4 overs

WICKET! Mohammed Shami is enjoying his day, as he has just removed Quinton de Kock thanks to a Parthiv Patel catch.

South Africa 151-4 from 45.5 overs

WICKET! KL Rahul takes a catch at deep square, as Mohammed Shami celebrates the dismissal of Dean Elgar. India areright back in the game.

South Africa 144-3 from 41.1 overs

WICKET! Mohammed Shami has dismissed dangerman AB de Villiers, who was in a fine form, as Parthiv Patel completes the catch. Huge blow for the hosts.

Centurion: Virat Kohli and co will look to bounce back and thrash South Africa’s batting line-up when the fourth day of the second Test kicks off here on Tuesday.

The third day of the Test came to a disappointing end when poor weather and bad light stopped the game, leaving South Africa at 90-2.

AB de Villiers has been the star of the Proteas’ innings, having scored his 42^nd Test fifty. Dean Elgar, unbeaten on 36, has been supporting him at the other end.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah got the visitors’ both the wickets, removing Aiden Markram and Hashim Amla.

However, the rest of the bowlers, including Ishant Sharma and Hardik Pandya, will have to step up if the visitors are to bounce back.

It was on Monday when Virat Kohli’s 153 helped India post a total of 307, giving South Africa a 28-run lead.

At 90-2, the hosts now have a 118-run lead, and will hope that he rain Gods stay away on the fourth day.