On this day, January 14, 2022: Rishabh Pant became the first Asian wicket-keeper to score a century in South Africa. In a low-scoring game and plenty to play for India, Pant walked out at 58-4 in the third innings with the side losing two wickets in the space of a run. They had managed to eke out a 23-run lead in the first innings and there was plenty to play for as India were eyeing a Test win in South Africa. Rishabh Pant scored an extra ordinary century of just 139 balls in Cape Town. He helped India get a lead of 211 and kept India in the game.
Earlier in the game, India scored 223 runs batting first and in reply, South Africa were bowled out for 210 in the second innings. India took a lead of 23 and it looked a good lead. But India crumbled in the third innings where they were bowled out for mere 198 despite 100 of those runs coming from the bat of wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant.
But despite a terrific hundred by Rishabh Pant this could not prevent a South Africa win in Cape Town Eight as eight batters in India’s second innings made single-figure scores, but thanks to their wicketkeeper, who added a partnership and it was a tough pitch. Kohli scored 29 off 143 balls as India reached a total of 198.
The target of 212 did not bother South Africa as much as some thought it might, given the unpredictable nature of the pitch. But with superb 82 from Keegan Petersen, who also top-scored in the first innings with 72, they got there with room to spare. Kohli called an end to his Test captaincy after the 2-1 series defeat.
India were on the verge of a rare series win in South Africa but could not manage to close out as they suffered a series loss. Kohli resigned from Test captaincy after the 2-1 series defeat. Despite the loss India competed well and it was a memorable day for Rishabh Pant who broke multiple records.
