Virat Kohli’s hunt for his 71st Test century continues, as the Indian captain has been dismissed for 79 in the 3rd Test versus South Africa, which is now underway. The seasoned hitter delivered a great performance as the surface favored the bowlers from the very first delivery. With the new ball, players Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi were exchanging blows. As a result, Kohli didn’t really take many attempts and instead let himself adjust to the circumstances. Here is IND vs SA 3rd Test Highlights.
IND vs SA 3rd Test Highlights
It should be highlighted that the current Cape Town Test is a series decider, with the series tied at 1-1. India lost both starters in the opening hour of the game at the Newlands Stadium after opting to bat first. As a result, Kohli, who had missed the previous Test owing to an upper back spasm, walked into bat with India trailing at 33/2.
Unlike his regular style, Kohli performed cautiously throughout his innings. He was extremely cautious of deliveries outside the off-stump. As a consequence, Kohli scored his half-century on his 158th ball, the 2nd-slowest of his tenure. Importantly, the Indian captain built vital alliances with players including Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rishabh Pant.
That will be STUMPS on Day 1 of the 3rd Test.
South Africa 17/1, trail #TeamIndia (223) by 206 runs.
Scorecard – https://t.co/9V5z8QBOjM #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/PZx8Lil2gM
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2022
Unfortunately, the tail-enders were unable to offer him much assistance. As a consequence, Kohli was forced to go for runs as wickets were dropping from one extreme. His strike rate improved as well, but just when he appeared to be on track to break the three-figure barrier, Kagiso Rabada brought the best of him. The outside edge of Kohli’s bat was taken by a quality and innovative delivery and Kyle Verreynne made a secure hold behind the wickets.
He was India’s 9th wicket, and the innings was quickly ended after his departure. India were finally bowled out for 223 runs, with Kohli the sole batsman with a fifty-plus mark. It should be emphasized that the possibilities are really high in this play. A win for India would be their first Test series victory on South African land. Kohli will bat again in this match and hopes to have a similar or larger effect.
Twitter Reactions:
Indian innings summed up in a pic. Once again onus on bowlers to keep us in the game. #SAvIND #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/vsRasnJAy0
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 11, 2022
#Kohli deserved a ton after playing exceptionally well. 79 runs from 201 balls without hardly any support from the other end – this innings must rank among his best. #INDvsSA #SAvIND #ViratKohli #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/SvEc8TGmB9
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) January 11, 2022
That inning had Virat Kohli’s Class written all over it. #INDvSA
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 11, 2022
Sometimes 79 has a lot more quality than a hundred. This was a top-top knock from a top player. Today Kohli hasn’t missed a century by 21 runs but scored valuable and high-quality 79 runs. #SAvInd
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 11, 2022
It’s very special to see the greatest of talents and stroke makers dig in, play hard and find ways to survive long periods of time to achieve greatness.
Good going @imVkohli 👑#SAvIND #DKommBox pic.twitter.com/VLonyileHe
— DK (@DineshKarthik) January 11, 2022
The undercurrent of this Virat Kohli knock will only reveal itself over time. It’s not about the eventual score he managed or a potential century he missed.
It’s the high quality of control, discipline and responsibility he showed while he was at the crease.
Top knock.
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) January 11, 2022
