South Africa’s Historic Lowest Test Total: 55 All-Out vs. India
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj’s phenomenal 6-wicket haul in a nine-over spell decimated South Africa, restricting them to a meager 55 runs, the lowest ever score by South Africa against India in Test cricket
Picture credit: New Indian Express
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The second Test match between India and South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town in January 2023 will go down as one of the lowest points in Proteas cricket history.
Chasing a target of 212, South Africa folded for a paltry 55 in their first innings – their lowest-ever Test total, surpassing even New Zealand’s 62 all out in 2021. This remains the worst batting performance by a South African side in 92 years.
At the center of the carnage was Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, who decimated the Proteas lineup with astonishing figures of 6/15 in just 9 overs – the fewest overs taken by an Indian to claim 6+ wickets in Tests. His fiery spell of swing bowling exposed the technical frailties of South Africa’s techniques.
Captain Dean Elgar’s dismissal for 3 triggered the collapse, as none of the Proteas batsmen showed any spine against Siraj’s relentless accuracy. The procession of wickets included 5 ducks, underscoring the tentativeness and lack of grit on display even from senior players.
This defeat marks a significant setback for South Africa’s Test resurgence plans under new coach Shukri Conrad. Their confidence looks shattered after being routed inside a single session. Fans and experts slammed the surrender, with some terming it South Africa’s worst-ever batting capitulation.
As the team looks to pick up pieces and script an unlikely comeback, the scars of this humiliation could linger. With two matches left, South Africa will need to demonstrate tremendous mental resolve and guts to bounce back from this ignominy. But for now, 55 all out enters South Africa’s hall of cricketing nightmares.