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India and South Africa played out another exhilarating day of Test cricket in Centurion on Wednesday to set the contest for a perfect grand finale. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen bowled brilliantly to bowl out the visitors but some quick-fire crucial cameos from Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant ensured that India got the runs on board with enough overs remaining in the day.
The Proteas were set a target of 305 runs, which poised the match in a very interesting situation. The Indian pace attack continued their impressive form with Bumrah also taking the wicket of night-watchman Keshav Maharaj as South Africa ended the day at 94/4 with captain Dean Elgar batting on 52*.
With 211 runs to win and 6 wickets in hand, there is a possibility of all the three results - South Africa win, India win and Draw - with the additional aspect of weather also likely to play a crucial role.
Will rain play spoilsport on final day in Centurion?
Unlike the previous two days which has seen clear sky and sunny weather in Centurion, it is not expected to be the same day on Thursday. While the conditions are expected to be party cloudy in morning, the weather is expected to become more gloomy as the day progresses. After noon, there is a forecast of scattered thunderstorms till evening with more than 50% chances of rain.
Here is the detailed weather forecast for Day 5:
1st Session: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Local Time)
Temperature: 23 - 25° Celsius
Chances of Rain: 25%
2nd Session: 12:40 PM to 3:10 PM (Local Time)
Temperature: 25 - 27° Celsius
Chances of Rain: 50%
3rd Session: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM (Local Time)
Temperature: 24-26° Celsius
Chances of Rain: 60%
What to expect on Day 5?
Considering the fact that there is forecast of rain from afternoon onwards, there is a possibility that the final two sessions might not produce much action. However, as per the current forecast, the first session could see uninterrupted action under slightly overcast weather with Indian pacers expected to get a lot of help from the conditions.
Since the second half of day could be very unpredictable, both the teams will be focused to do their respective jobs in first session. While India will look to be as aggressive as they can to scalp the remaining 6 wickets, the home side will be determined to stay firm and play out the first session without much damage.