South Africa struck hard but Pandya showed resilience

At the end of Day 2 at Newlands South Africa have taken a lead of 142 before restricting India to 209. Although it was not entirely a South African day due to resurgence showed by Pandya with the bat and continued with the ball.

It was the second session of the day where India found themselves in deep trouble at 92/7 as Proteas seamers were relentless with probing lines and lengths. The situation needed a counter attack much like of AB’s and it was Pandya, who provided it for India with taking on the four round attack.

Although things weren't  easy for the all-rounder as he was dropped by Elgar early in his Innings that didn't stop him to play his natural game as latched on any width on offer and targeted Morkel, who was less penetrative of the four men.

Pandya was well supported by Bhuvneshwar withholding the other end tight even with countless play and misses around the off stump but it all needed to stay alive, that's what Bhuvneshwar had done. He may have contributed only two of their 50 run partnership but his presence frustrated the Protea attack, as they extended it to a 99 run stand and it brought the lead down to 77.

While earlier in the day Proteas bowlers were right on the target with Series of maidens from both ends but weren't lucky enough to pick a wicket in the first hour but kept the run rate between 1 & 2. The only wicket they got in the morning session was of Rohit, who struggled to score runs and was trapped in front of the wicket by Rabada with an inswinger.

In the post-lunch session, Pujara was gone for the first ball While chasing a wide ball outside off, which he had left alone throughout the morning session. After the dismissal of Pujara, it was all intimating stuff from the Protea bowlers as they found some extra energy and zip and picked up some quicks wickets of Ashwin and Saha.

Meanwhile, South Africa came with a positive mindset as Markram played freely with picking up boundaries but at the other end, Elgar found it difficult to middle the ball. Although things changed for the Elgar later on in the Innings with some freebies here and there from Indiana Pacers.

South Africa looked to extend their lead and dominance to finish the day off but Pandya struck early in his spell as Markram played a false shot for an in-between length delivery and soon after Pandya scalped Elgar around his off stump with an angled delivery.

Although South Africa hold the lead in the match as they lead by 142 and the conditions flattened out a lot.