The first Test match of the 3 match series between India and South Africa has been drawn on the final day at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, 30th March 2008. South Africa finished 331/5 with the help of unbeaten 155 from Neil McKenzie, and his solid 157-run partnership with Hashim Amla scored 81.
It's a match that all the bowlers will want to erase from memory as quickly as possible. Even on the fifth day there wasn't much assistance and McKenzie batted superbly to remain unbeaten on 155. Harbhajan finished the match with eight wickets and bowled an astonishing 78.5 overs.
This test match will be remembered for the memorable inning of India's Verendar Sehwag , hitting 319 in just 304 balls in the first inning, made the record of fastest triple century in the history of test cricket in just 278 balls. Rahul Dravid also completed 10,000 runs in test cricket in his inning of 111 runs, his 25th test century.
South Africa skipper Graeme Smith felt the match had provided his team with some much-needed time in Indian conditions ahead of the second Test in Ahmedabad.
"We always knew the quality of the South African batsman, they batted exceptionally well," admitted India captain Anil Kumble.
Match Summary:
South Africa 1st Inning - 540 All Out in 152.5 overs.
India 1st Inning - 627 All Out in 155.1 overs.
South Africa 2nd Inning - 331/5 in 109 overs.
Toss - South Africa, who chose to bat first.
Man of the Match - Virendar Sehwag (India)
Result - Match drawn.
Series - 3-match series level 0-0.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
India vs South Africa, 1st Test Drawn - Sehwag's Fastest Triple Century in vain
Monday, March 3, 2008
India wins ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia
India won the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia after beating South Africa in a thrilling final. Set a revised target of 116 to win from 25 overs after the second innings was reduced because of rain, South Africa needed 26 runs from the remaining two overs but despite the best efforts of captain Wayne Parnell and wicketkeeper Bradley Barnes, the junior Proteas fell just 12 runs short.
This is India’s second U/19 Cricket World Cup title. Dozens of India flags fluttered around the ground in support of the team with the 6,000 or so fans enjoying the festive atmosphere.
In the end they nearly descended into delirium as a smiling Virat Kohli accepted the cup from ICC President Ray Mali and lifted it above his head as the confetti fell from the stormy Kuala Lampur sky. His side was probably the most consistent during this tournament and with its talent, application and team spirit there can be no doubt the title was fully deserved.
But the runner-up must not be forgotten – South Africa contributed hugely to the success of the tournament and helped to make the final so enthralling.
Scores in brief:India - 159 All Out in 45.4 overs.
South Africa - 103/8 in 25 overs.
Result - India Under-19s won by 12 runs (D/L method)
Man of the Match - AK Argal (India Under-19s)
Man of the Series - TG Southee
