RANCHI: Shahbaz Nadeem took the final two wickets in straight balls as India thrashed South Africa by an innings and 202 runs in the third Test on Tuesday to complete a 3-0 series rout.
The day’s play lasted just 12 balls in a triumph emphatically ramming home India’s feat in beating Australia’s record of 10 straight home series wins, and consolidating their place at the top of the World Test Championship.
For South Africa, who lost two of the three matches by more than an innings, it was one of their worst series in decades.
“It’s been a brilliant series for us,” said India captain Virat Kohli as he hailed the performance of his batsmen and bowlers who made 497 for nine declared in their first innings.
Kohli made South Africa follow on after they were bowled out for 162 in their first attempt in Ranchi.
Resuming on 132-8 in the second innings, Nadeem got substitute Theunis de Bruyn caught behind for 30 and then Lungi Ngidi for nought to dismiss the tourists for 133 on the fourth day.
“To be the best side in the world, you need to be multi-dimensional. All facets of your team have to fire,” said Kohli.
