India sets South Africa 305 to win 1st test, strikes early

CENTURION, South Africa (AP) — India set South Africa a tough target of 305 to win the first test and had struck early in its push for victory to leave the Proteas 22-1 at tea on Wednesday on the fourth day.

Mohammed Shami, who ran through South Africa with 5-44 in the first innings, removed Aiden Markram in the second over and India was on its way.

India, the top-ranked team in test cricket, is seeking a long-awaited first test series win in South Africa and will take a big step towards that if it can close out victory in the first match of the three-test series.

South Africa captain Dean Elgar held on to be 9 not out at the tea break alongside Keegan Petersen, who was 12 not out.

But India sensed victory and the home team faced the prospect of getting another 283 runs on a tricky pitch in Centurion or batting out another four sessions for a draw.

India forged well ahead despite being bowled out for 174 in its second innings earlier in the day. India had already carved out a first-innings lead of 130 after it made 327 batting first and then bowled out South Africa for 197 in its first innings.

More than anything, India's struggles in its second innings was an indication that the SuperSport Park surface was getting more and more difficult to bat on. South Africa's batsmen faced a stiff challenge against the likes of Shami and India spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who recovered from an ankle injury on the third day to take the new ball with Shami.

Rishabh Pant top-scored for India with 34 in its second innings, while Kagiso Rabada and test debutant Marco Jansen took four wickets each for South Africa to limit the damage and give the home team a sliver of hope.

The entire second day of the series-opener was washed out by rain but the game has still progressed rapidly since then and India had more than enough time to force a win and take a crucial series lead.

All three tests will be played without fans because of COVID-19 and specifically the spread of the omicron variant in South Africa, where it was first identified.

Organizers had initially planned to allow in a limited number of spectators but that was foiled by the emergence of the new variant.

___

More AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports