Fortress Centurion was breached as India became the first Asian team to win at the venue by 113 runs. This is India’s 4th test win in South Africa with the first win coming in 2006 Johannesburg test followed by 2010 in Durban and 2018 in Johannesburg again. 2021 is the second time India have had won four Tests outside Asia in a calendar year (Brisbane, Lord’s, Oval, Centurion). The previous instance was in 2018 (Jo’burg, Nottingham, Adelaide, Melbourne. KL Rahul was the lone centurion amongst the two teams and he became the second Indian opener after Wasim Jaffer to score a century in the rainbow country.
After winning the toss, Virat Kohli decided to bat first and the decision was proven right by the likes of KL Rahul(123), Mayank Agarwal(60) and others which helped India put up a total of 327 runs in first innings. Lungi Ngidi picked 6 wickets and restricted India to put up a mammoth total in the first innings.
South Africa never got a big partnership to stand any close to the Indian total expect Temba Bavuma(52) and Quinton de Kock(34) as Mohammed Shami(5 wickets) ran through the Proteas batting order which was bundled out on 197 runs.
After gaining a healthy lead, Indian team could not capitalize much and were bowled out on 174 runs but they put up a target of 305 runs for South Africa, which could have been the highest chasing total at Centurion if Proteas would have chased it down. The highest successful chase at Centurion was 251/8 by England against South Africa in 2000.
South Africa never looked comfortable chasing a mammoth target but skipper Dean Elgar(77) and Temba Bavuma(35) showed some resistance but it was not enough to save the fortress of Centurion as the host lost the test by 113 runs.
Here are the best reactions as India wins the Centurion test-
India have now won as many Tests in Australia, England & South Africa in the last four years (9) than they did in the 30 years previously & have as many Tests their since 2010 (11) as they had done in their Test history prior to then, dating back to 1932 (11). #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/3KgoONxOd9
— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) December 30, 2021
Wohoo Brisbane, Oval, Lord’s and now Centurion…Congratulations @imVkohli, Rahul Dravid and the entire contingent on becoming the first Asian nation to win at Centurion #BoxingDayTest #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/k9zTHE1nWQ
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) December 30, 2021
Began the year with great resilience at Sydney , followed by an incredible win at the Gabba, the Lord’s win was special and India end the year with a brilliant win at the Centurion. Has been a brilliant Test Match year for Team India. Congratulations on a wonderful win #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/NdY18b1GHP
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 30, 2021
Started the year with Gabba and ending it with Centurion!
Congratulations for the historic Test win #TeamIndia.
What a brilliant performance to beat the hosts in such a grand manner! ?#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/ymnAbwtPJ6— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 30, 2021
?? See you soon, Edgbaston!
? Getty • #INDvSA #INDvsSA #TeamIndia #BharatArmy pic.twitter.com/U7C0vL2yTZ
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) December 30, 2021
Indian pace attack roar in 2021 ? Best ever performance. #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/cC9IggMGEP
— Women’s T20 Challenge (@wiplt20_) December 30, 2021
Thank you for this, #TeamIndia! pic.twitter.com/JMqVQ4E72c
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) December 30, 2021
Gabba. Lord’s. Oval. Centurion.
– 4 of the most prolific victories in SENA, what a year for Team India in Test cricket.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 30, 2021
We are lucky to watch the legacy of "Virat Kohli" as an Indian Captain in Test Cricket. His contribution will be remembered forever. ? pic.twitter.com/kRi23dwuXC
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) December 30, 2021
India in 2021 played 7 Test matches against Australia, England and South Africa in their home out of which they won 4, drawn 2 and lost just 1 game. Dominance of team India in Test cricket at peak.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 30, 2021
Dream 2021 for Team India in Test Cricket. Gabba, Lord’s , Oval, Centurion and who can forget the amazing fight to draw at Sydney. Wishing a happy and even better 2022 for #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/pLhTVJWOvz
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 30, 2021
Centurion is a "Fortress" for South Africa in Test Cricket.
Indian Test team: not anymore. pic.twitter.com/HxBuWXqEvh
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) December 30, 2021
"This Indian Team lead by Virat Kohli has given many many moments to cherish for lifetime in Test Cricket." – Sunil Gavaskar
— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) December 30, 2021
