South Africa were bowled out for 258 in their second innings on day four, leaving India with more than a day to chase down the runs to level the three Test series.

AB de Villiers and Dean Elgar both missed out on centuries on Tuesday morning in their attempt to set the visitors a competitive target.

After reeling at 3 for the loss of two wickets on Monday, De Villiers and Elgar rebuilt South Africa’s second innings to save the Test.

The pair recorded a 139-run partnership for the third wicket before De Villiers was caught behind for 80 runs.

Elgar in his turn scored his 9th Test half-century before being caught for 61 runs before the lunch break.

Shortly before the break the wicketkeeper, Quinton de Kock, was dismissed for 12 runs, South Africa went into the interval at 173/5.

The captain, Faf du Plessis, played a patient innings for his 48 runs off 222 deliveries before being brilliantly caught and bowled by Jasprit Bumrah.

Mohammed Shami, who took his 100th Test wicket during South Africa’s first innings, was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 49/4 in 16 overes. Bumrah took 70/3, while Ishant Sharma bagged 2 wickets, and Ravi Ashwin contributed with one scalp.

The Proteas lead the series 1-0 following a 72-run win at Newlands in Cape Town.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport