KARACHI: The match between India and South Africa on the opening day of the second Test in Cape Town proved to be a day dominated by the pacers, witnessing a staggering 20 wickets tumbling down so far.
India initially seized control by dismissing South Africa for a mere 55 runs. However, the Proteas retaliated, swiftly taking down the visitors for 153.
Remarkably, India's last six wickets fell without adding any runs to the scoreboard, leaving them at 153/4.
This marks the first instance in Test cricket where six wickets collapsed within a span of just 11 balls, an unprecedented occurrence in the sport's history. Previously, there were only four recorded instances of five wickets falling without a run being scored.
Prior to this, the narrowest run margin during the fall of six wickets stood at just 1 run. Notably, during the Rawalpindi Test in 1965, New Zealand faced a similar situation, losing six wickets with the addition of only one run.
Earlier, the 55 scored by South Africa is the lowest ever total by any team against India in Test history.
This was also the lowest score after choosing to bat at home by South Africa since 1889.
Earlier, South Africa captain Dean Elgar opted to bat first in the second and final Test against India at Newlands on Wednesday.
The hosts are eyeing a series sweep against the number one side in the world.
South Africa made three changes to the team after winning the first Test by an innings and 32 runs in Pretoria.
Middle order batter Tristan Stubbs is making his debut in the place of injured regular captain Temba Bavuma.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj received his 50th cap in the place of injured Gerald Coetzee and seamer Lungi Ngidi replaced Keegan Petersen.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.