India hit back to square series with South Africa

DURBAN: India completed an 87-run win on the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa to set up a series decider in the final.

Set a target of 303, South Africa were bowled out for 215. Their hopes were effectively ended when Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers were dismissed.

It was a remarkable fight back by India, who lost the first Test. Their bowlers shot out South Africa for 131 and an innings of 96 by man of the match VVS Laxman meant that South Africa had to score the highest total of the match to win.

India will retain their number one ranking in Test cricket. Second-placed South Africa needed to win the series 3-0 to displace the tourists at the top of the rankings.

Sree Sreesanth produced a bouncer that Kallis could only fend off his glove to Virender Sehwag at gully. Kallis was out for 17 after he and de Villiers had added 12 runs to the overnight total of 111 for three.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2010.