India inched closer to possibly clinching a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series against South Africa as they edged ahead on another wicket-filled fourth day of the match at the Centurion.

On Wednesday India resumed at their overnight score of 16 for one, but they were bowled out for 174. India armed with a 130 run lead set a target of 305 for the home team. By the end of the day's play when 13 wickets fell, South Africa were tottering at 94 for four, needing a further 211 runs for a win.

Earlier, India started cautiously in the first session. Nightwatchman Shardul Thakur was the first one to go. Later, Lokesh Rahul fell for 23. Captain Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara added 25 runs for the fourth wicket. Kohli fell off the very first ball after lunch.

Then Pujara joined forces with Ajinkya Rahane to add a further 30 runs. Rahane appeared to be a man in hurry as he played very aggressively but fell soon after Pujara. It was then left for Rishabh Pant to align with Ravichandran Ashwin. Pant and Ashwin added 35 runs for the seventh wicket. Pant fell for an aggressive 34 with six boundaries. In the end, Indian innings folded up for 174 in 50.3 overs.

For South Africa the key wicket-takers were Kagiso Rabada (4-42), Marco Jansen (4-55) and Lungi Ngidi (4-55).

Stumps on Day 4 of the 1st Test.

South Africa end the day on 94/4. #TeamIndia 6 wickets away from victory.

Scorecard - https://t.co/eoM8MqSQgO #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/IgRuammbPo

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 29, 2021

The chase for South Africa started on a disastrous note. Aiden Markram fell for just one as he was castled by Mohammed Shami in the second over. Later, Keegan Petersen held on for a while with captain Dean Elgar. But he lost his nerve was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj. Then there was a prolonged resistance from Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen. This pairing held on for 22.3 overs as they put on 40 runs for the third wicket. But Bumrah broke through dismissing van der Dussen.

Keshav Maharaj promoted as a nightwatchman came in next as he tried to hold on for a while. But off the penultimate delivery of the day, Maharaj was dismissed clean bowled by Bumrah. South Africa ended the day with 94 for four in 40.5 overs. The only lone warrior was by an unbeaten Elgar with 52 off 122 balls with seven boundaries.

For India the key wicket-takers were Jasprit Bumrah (2-22), Shami (1-29) and Siraj (1-25).

Vikram Rathour, Batting Coach, Indian Cricket Team, addressed a virtual press conference in Centurion after Day 4 of the 1^st Test against South Africa.

© BCCI

Match Summary
India 1st Innings: 327
South Africa 1st Innings: 197 (62.3)

India 2nd Innings: 174 (50.3)
Fall of wickets: 2-34 (Shardul Thakur-12.5 ov), 3-54 (KL Rahul-22.3 ov), 4-79 (Virat Kohli-32.1 ov), 5-109 (Cheteshwar Pujara-37.1 ov), 6-111 (Ajinkya Rahane-38.5 ov), 7-146 (Ravichandran Ashwin-45.1 ov), 8-166 (Rishabh Pant-47.3 ov), 9-169 (Mohammed Shami-49.2 ov), 10-174 (Mohammed Siraj-50.3 ov)

South Africa: 94-4 (40.5)
Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Aiden Markram-1.3 ov), 2-34 (Keegan Petersen-14.1 ov), 3-74 (Rassie van der Dussen-36.4 ov), 4-94 (Keshav Maharaj-40.5 ov)

End of Day Four: South Africa needs 211 runs for a win, India needs six wickets

SCORECARD

Playing XIs

South Africa - Dean Elgar(c), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock(wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

India - Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant(wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah Mohammed Siraj

Match Details

Start Time: 08:00

Toss: India won the toss and decided to bat

Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion

Officials: Adrian Holdstock, Marais Erasmus (On-field Umpires); Allahudien Paleker (TV Umpire); Bongani Jele (Fourth Umpire); Andrew Pycroft (Match-referee)  

©Cricket World 2021