Event of the Day: South Africa versus India

Our event of the day is the fifth and final day of the 2nd Test of the Freedom Trophy between South Africa and India at SuperSport Park in Centurion. South Africa won the first Test in Cape Town by 72 runs and will host the third Test in Johannesburg next week. They might have an unassailable 2-0 lead by then, as after four days at Centurion, India require another 252 runs with seven wickets remaining. On a challenging pitch, India had to chase 287 with four sessions remaining, and ended the fourth day on 35 for 3. India have lost both openers and the all important wicket of captain and star man Virat Kohli. 

 

Indian bowled well in the first two sessions of Day 3 - Mohammed Shami finished the day with 4-49, and took three key wickets in a seven-over spell before lunch. Jasprit Bumrah recorded figures of 3-70 and Ishant Sharma had 2 wickets for 40 runs. However the pick of the bowlers has been young South African bowler, debutant Lungi Ngidi, who was very impressive in the evening session, when he came on as first change - he removed both Lokesh Rahul for four, and Kohli for just five; and finished with 2-14. With 252 runs required and with 7 wickets in hand, we should be in for an exciting final day at SuperSport Park.

 

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NBA clash between the Toronto Raptors and the Detroit Pistons at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The Raptors are second in the Eastern Conference with a 29-13 record, but have lost their last two games. The Pistons are just inside the playoff zone, with a 22-20 record and sit in eighth place, and they are also on a two game losing streak. In the FA Cup, there’s a 3rd round replay between Chelsea and Norwich City at the Stamford Bridge in London. In the Big Bash League, the Adelaide Strikers host the Hobart Hurricanes at the Adelaide Oval. It’s Day 3 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. In the NHL, there’s a duel between the Anaheim Ducks and the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Honda Center in Anaheim, while the Boston Bruins face off with the Montreal Canadiens at the TD Garden in Boston. In Ligue 1, Guingamp take on Lyon at the Stade municipal de Roudourou in Guingamp.

 

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

 

Fixture

 

Photos by Indian Cricket; Action Image