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LIVE Cricket! India-SA first Test match ends in a thrilling draw

Sun, 22 December 2013

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21:58

Check out the reactions on Twitter after the thrilling draw in Johannesburg:

AB de Villiers: Speechless! Great Test match. Tough getting so close, but @DaleSteyn62 & @VDP_24 made the right call to close down shop. We move to Durbs.

Bishan Bedi: Super test n Joburg-both teams deserved 2 win;both dnt deserve 2 lose!SAfricans might've put dn shuters 2 early!Ind cn derive lots o pride!!

Omar Abdullah: That this was a great test is in no doubt nor is the fact that this was a match we should have won. Well done SA for snatching a draw.

Shashi Tharoor: A fortuitous cancellation allowed me to watch the nail-biting end of the #IndvSA Test. The only sport where a draw can be so exciting, &just.

Harsha Bhogle: from the point when 458 was set india would be disappointed. from the start of the game? much to be proud of.

Rajneesh Gupta: A draw brings an end to India's streak of 8 consecutive defeats in AWAY Tests- had lost all 4 vs Eng in 2011 & 4 vs Aus in 2011-12.

Mohandas Menon: This was the 8th occasion when no Indian spinner could manage a single wicket in a Test match! All instances in away Tests.

Mohandas Menon: This Test match is as exciting as the one vs the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium on Nov 26, 2011 Scores level off the last ball.

Yohan Blake: I can't believe am watching this test match between South Africa vs India. at the end it was poor am so vex what was that. Hmmmm.

21:21

- Scorecard

MATCH DRAWN!!!

SA 450-7 (136 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami starts with a short wide delivery as Steyn offers no stroke and rightly so, with two slips in place, and does the same off the next ball.

He tries to slog the third ball but misses and so does Dhoni, for a leg bye.

15 needed from three balls.

Philander has a wild swing but the ball stays low and he misses. He takes a single from the fifth ball before Steyn hits a full toss for a six from the last match.

SA finish on 450 for seven in 136 overs as they fall short by a narrow margin of seven.

So, the first Test match in Johannesburg ends in a thrilling draw, one of the best Test matches you will ever witness!

Ajinkya Rahane's two run outs, that of Smith and du Plessis, has proved to be the two big turning points of the game!

South Africa will look back at the missed opportunity, needing 16 runs from three overs to complete a world record chase, but surprisingly they opted to play for a draw.

The next Test match will be played in Durban from December 26-30.

21:14

- Scorecard

SA 442-7 (135 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer to bowl the penultimate over. Philander defends the first ball of the over which is full and on the stumps and the next one with a straight bat.

It seems South Africa have given up on the victory and are content to play for a draw.

All the players are on the boundary as Philander taps the full toss to the covers but turns down the single.

The next ball is played down to deep midwicket but yet again they don't take the single, while the fifth ball is left alone.

The field comes up for the last delivery of the over. Will Philander take a chance?

But he sees the last ball go through to Dhoni.

Two maiden overs in a row and SA now need 16 from the last over for victory.

21:09

- Scorecard

SA 442-7 (134 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami to continue. Steyn lets the first two balls go through before he taps it on the off-side as Philander comes down to look for a single but is sent back.

The fourth ball is a bit short and moves away as Steyn offers no stroke. The fifth ball is very short but Steyn has nothing to do with it.

The last ball is down the leg side as Shami bowls a maiden over.

16 needed from two overs for victory.

21:05

- Scorecard

SA 442-7 (133 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Du Plessis is beaten as he tries to steer Zaheer to thirdman with the ball moving away.

The next ball is defended before du Plessis pulls it through midwicket for a boundary. 16 needed from 21 balls.

Du Plessis attempts a risky single but Rahane gets him with a direct him from mid-off. This is the second run out for the Mumbai youngster after getting Smith in the same style on Day 4.

Du Plessis walks back after a good innings of 134, having hit 15 fours in his 309-ball knock. SA need 16 runs from 19 balls with three wickets in hand.

Philander defends the last ball.

20:59

- Scorecard

SA 438-6 (132 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Philander pulls a short ball from Shami but mistimes it and ends up getting two runs to deep midwicket.

However, the next ball is off the middle and it races to the boundary. 22 needed from 28 balls.

The fourth ball is again a bit short and Philander turns it on the leg side for a single and du Plessis collect another easy single.

20 needed from four overs for victory.

20:53

Mohandas Menon on Twitter says: "South Africa's 425/6 is now their highest total in the 4th inns against any team Previous: 423/7 vs Eng Oval in Aug 1947 (Drawn)."

Infact, this is now the 7th highest fourth innings total in the history of Test cricket!!!!

20:53

- Scorecard

SA 430-6 (131 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer comes back and he is still operating from round the wicket. The first ball is a bit wide but stays low as Philander is beaten.

He steers the next to thirdman for a single as the crowd shout 'two, two' but the batsmen are content with one.

Du Plessis picks one to the covers before Philander picks a single to the thirdman to retain strike.

20:48

- Scorecard

SA 427-6 (130 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Have South Africa shut shop? Philander lets the first two deliveries outside the off-stump go through to the keeper, while he defends the third with a straight bat.

He punches the fourth delivery through the covers for a much-needed boundary and picks a single from the fifth.

Du Plessis flicks the last ball to deep midwicket and collects a couple.

SA need 31 from six overs for victory.

20:44

- Scorecard

SA 420-6 (129 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Du Plessis in no hurry as he decides not to dab at deliveries outside the off-stump.

He takes a single from the second ball before Philander is beaten outside the off-stump as the third ball from Shami stays low.

The fourth ball is drive to mid-on before he gets a single to the covers from the next.

Du Plessis offers no stroke to the last ball.

SA need 38 from seven overs for victory.

20:40

- Scorecard

SA 418-6 (128 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Du Plessis playing his normal game. He will look to hold his end up while Philander will attempt a few shots from the other end.

Ishant keeping it outside the off-stump and du Plessis content to let it go. He takes a single from the fifth ball, tapping it on the off-side.

40 needed from eight overs for victory.

20:35

- Scorecard

SA 417-6 (127 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami bowling at a good pace, hitting the cracks, and making things happen. He inside edges the second ball to fine leg region for a single.

Du Plessis flicks it to deep midwicket for a single before Philander slaps a short wide delivery but Rohit comes up with a good stop at point.

Shami bowls a long hop which Philander slaps through point for a boundary. 41 needed from nine overs for victory.

20:32

- Scorecard

SA 411-6 (126 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Philander look in good touch as he drives it through the covers for a couple and then takes one to thirdman.

The field is spread out for du Plessis, who is batting on 123, and he lets the next two balls go through.

He defends the fifth ball while offering no stroke to the last ball.

SA need 47 runs from 10 overs for victory.

20:26

- Scorecard

SA 408-6 (125 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami overpitches as Duminy drives it straight down the ground for a cracking boundary.

Duminy plays a heave across the line but is beaten. Another wicket will put the pressure on South Africa.

And Duminy's reckless batting has cost his downfall as he inside edges back on to his stumps to be bowled for five.

Vernon Philander, who made 59 in the first innings, plays a confident straight drive off the first ball but it is stopped at mid-off. He drives the next through the covers for a single as Zaheer fumbles.

20:19

- Scorecard

SA 403-5 (124 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ishant strikes with the key wicket of AB de Villiers, who drags it back on to his stumps to be bowled for 103.

He played a big role in South Africa's comeback, putting on 205 runs for the fifth wicket with du Plessis.

SA still need 56 runs from 12.5 overs for victory with five wickets in hand.

Ishant bowls a short ball down the leg side to new batsman JP Duminy, wo lets it go. And the tall pacer is hobbling at the end of his follow through, he looks in a bit of pain.

Duminy looking at all sea as Ishant gets it to jump off the cracks. He flicks the last ball to fine leg for a single to get off the mark.

20:13

- Scorecard

SA 402-4 (123 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Their fifth wicket stand is worth 203 from 370 deliveries to script a sensational turnaround in the game.

India's last throw of the dice as pacer Shami comes into the attack after a long wait of nearly two hours.

He gets one to jump off length which hits Faf on the gloves as he tries to fend. He drives the third ball to mid-on for a single.

A good tight over from Shami, conceding just two singles.

20:08

- Scorecard

SA 400-4 (122 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

South Africa are going for the runs. Three singles from the first four deliveries from Ishant before Faf lofts it over mid-on for a boundary. That stroke signalled South Africa's intent and they look keen to go for the victory.

A single from the last ball helps SA raise the 400, with 59 needed from 13 overs for victory.

20:01

- Scorecard

SA 392-4 (121 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer will carry on bowling. Has Dhoni forgotten about Shami?

AB de Villiers steers the third ball to thirdman for a single to bring up his 18th Test century, from 162 balls.

Three singles from the Zaheer over leave SA to get 66 runs from 14 overs for victory.

19:55

- Scorecard

SA 389-4 (120 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ishant comes in to replace Ashwin. De Villiers steers the first ball to thirdman for a single before he chops it over the cover region for another couple and then taps it to point for one.

Du Plessis tries to take a single from the fifth delivery but it goes to point and he is sent back and rightly so as Pujara got a direct hit.

19:50

- Scorecard

SA 384-4 (119 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer continues as one wonders as to how long the veteran pacer will bowl for.

Du Plessis steers it to thirdman for a single and de Villiers drives it to sweeper cover for one.

Du Plessis tries to turn it on the leg side but gets a leading edge and yet again it goes over point for two runs.

19:45

- Scorecard

SA 380-4 (118 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ashwin continues as Faf plays him to the leg side for one and de Villiers punches it down the ground for a couple.

De Villiers takes one through the leg side and his partner does the same from the next to make it five runs from the over.

19:44

South Africa's 372/4 is now the highest total in the 4th inns by any team vs India. Previous: 369/6 by England in Aug 2007 (Drawn), says Mohandas Menon on Twitter.

19:42

- Scorecard

SA 375-4 (117 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

A long spell for the tired Zaheer after the tea break with SA needing 85 from 19 overs for victory.

De Villiers punches the third ball to sweeper cover for a single and his partner does the same from the next.

A good over from Zaheer, giving away just two singles.

19:37

- Scorecard

SA 373-4 (116 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

South Africa need 92 runs from a minimum of 20 overs for victory.

Du Plessis taps Ashwin on the off-side for a single and get AB back on strike. He then bowls a big wide down the leg side which turns big for five extra runs which will please the SA and make their task easier.

AB then comes down the track for a single to long-on before Faf plays out the last three balls.

19:34

- Scorecard

SA 366-4 (115 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Dhoni keeping his two best bowlers -- Ishant and Shami for the latter overs as Zaheer gets an extended spell after the tea break.

After two good deliveries, he slips it down the leg side which du Plessis tickles fine for a boundary.

Zaheer looking short of ideas and also physically tired after his long spell in the second innings. He has conceded 119 runs in 28 overs in the second essay, going at 4.25 runs per over.

19:31

- Scorecard

SA 361-4 (114 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ashwin continues to keep it tight by bowling it straight as du Plessis defends before take a single from the fourth delivery.

AB de Villiers comes down the track but Ashwin slips one down the leg side but the right-hander somehow pads it away.

The match is poised for a thrilling finish with all three results possible.

19:28

- Scorecard

SA 360-4 (113 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer continues despite two poor overs after the tea break. De Villiers takes a single from the first ball to fine leg and du Plessis whips it through midwicket for three runs to bring up his century.

He hit 12 boundaries in 252 deliveries to lead South Africa's sensational comeback in this thrilling Test match.

South Africa require exactly 100 in 22.3 overs and they have the upperhand one feels with India's bowlers tiring and looking bare of ideas.

Two more singles make it 98 needed from 22 overs.

They have scored 29 runs from eight overs since the tea break.

19:24

- Scorecard

SA 354-4 (112 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

South Africa timing their chase to perfection, picking four singles from Ashwin's over.

They need to score around 4.5 runs per over and they seem to be on track to do that with some intelligent batting.

19:20

- Scorecard

SA 350-4 (111 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer leaking boundaries as du Plessis punches it through the covers for a four to move to 95 and raise the 150-run stand for the fifth wicket.

With every boundary, India's chances of winning the Test match are slowly vanishing.

Du Plessis takes a single from the last ball to keep the scoreboard moving.

108 needed from 24 overs for victory.

19:16

- Scorecard

SA 345-4 (110 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ashwin not giving anything away keeping a tight line and length from around the stumps. Du Plessis takes a single from the fifth ball to move to 91 while AB defends the last two balls of that over.

19:13

- Scorecard

SA 344-4 (109 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer gets one to nip in sharply as AB opts to leave and it passes close to the off-stump.

The third ball is short and wide and the right-hander punches it through the covers for a boundary.

India need a few wickets or a string of tight overs to finish off SA's hopes of winning this game.

But the boundaries are flowing as AB repeats that shot to get into the 80s and the crowd get louder and louder.

19:10

- Scorecard

SA 336-4 (108 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Change of ends for Ashwin as he comes into the attack after just one over from Kohli.

This was the end where Duminy picked his two wickets and Ashwin will also look to do the same or atleast keep the batsmen tied down.

He bowls a maiden over to du Plessis, who is keen on defending.

19:08

- Scorecard

SA 336-4 (107 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer comes on to bowl. De Villiers drives outside the off-stump but the fielder at point makes a good stop to keep it down to one before du Plessis clips it square for another single.

19:05

- Scorecard

SA 334-4 (106 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Kohli to resume proceedings after the tea break. Wonder what's Dhoni thinking by giving the part-timer a go?

Three singles from the over as SA will look to get their eye in before trying to take chances.

18:44

- Scorecard

TEA - DAY 5

SA 331-4 (105 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ashwin to bowl the last over before the tea break. He is bowling from round the wicket to AB, who takes a single from the first ball.

Faf du Plessis watchfully plays out the rest of the over as SA go into tea on the final day at 331 for four in 105 overs.

Du Plessis has played a magnificent innings of 88 from 225 balls, while AB made 72 from 122 balls with the duo putting on 134 runs for the fifth wicket to keep SA in the hunt.

SA need 127 runs from a minimum of 30 overs in the final session to win, while India need six wickets which looks unlikely at the moment with the pitch not offering too much of help to the bowlers.

18:37

- Scorecard

SA 330-4 (104 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Are South Africa going for victory? AB tries the upper cut against a short ball from Ishant but gets one to thirdman.

Faf then pulls a short ball powerfully over midwicket for a boundary before taking one to fine leg.

De Villiers takes a single from the fifth ball as tea time approaches.

18:32

- Scorecard

SA 322-4 (103 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ashwin continues as de Villiers and du Plessis pick a single each from the first two deliveries.

AB retains strike as he punches the last ball to long-on for a single with three runs coming from that over.

18:30

- Scorecard

SA 319-4 (102 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

De Villiers taps Ishant to the covers and risks a quick single as Rahane swoops on the ball but misses the direct hit else that would have been very close.

Faf tries to turn it on the leg side but gets a leading edge which falls on the off-side.

18:25

- Scorecard

SA 318-4 (101 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Du Plessis defends the first four deliveries before he takes toll of an overpitched delivery as he slaps it through the covers for a boundary.

Despite the injury on his right thumb bothering him, du Plessis has been rock solid and taking SA towards safety or a possible victory.

18:22

- Scorecard

SA 314-4 (100 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Luck not going India's way as AB gets a leading edge off Ishant but it falls safely on the off-side.

He drives the last ball back but the tall Ishant comes down in time to stop some runs.

India need a wicket to boost themselves as the players have gone quiet and the bowlers feeling frustrated.

After exactly 100 overs, SA are 314 for four, needing another 144 runs in 35 overs for victory.

18:17

- Scorecard

SA 314-4 (99 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ashwin will be looking to keep things tight from his end. AB flicks the third ball on the leg side for a single before Faf blocks the last three deliveries.

18:15

- Scorecard

SA 313-4 (98 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer continues to find the edges and this time it is AB but there is a thirdman in place and they get just a single.

The third ball is short and on the pads as Faf flicks it fine for a four to take his score to 74 from 200 balls.

The last ball is again on the pads and full as du Plessis flicks it square for another four.

18:10

- Scorecard

SA 304-4 (97 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ashwin bowls a low full toss which du Plessis drives down the ground past mid-on for a boundary.

He defends the rest of the over as Ashwin gets his line and length back on track.

18:08

- Scorecard

SA 300-4 (96 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

De Villiers nudges Zaheer on the leg side for a single to keep the scoreboard moving.

Du Plessis is content to defend but one jumps off length, taking the shoulder of the bat and yet again it flies over the slips and lands safely.

SA are 300 for four in 96 overs with another 158 needed for victory in a minimum of 39 overs remaining.

18:03

- Scorecard

SA 298-4 (95 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Change of tactics from India as off-spinner Ashwin replaces pacer Ishant. He maintains a good line and length outside the off-stump, trying to tempt du Plessis to drive across the line but he prefers to play it safe.

18:01

- Scorecard

SA 298-4 (94 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Another lacklustre over from Ishant with a single each to the two batsmen. Zaheer continues from round the wicket as du Plessis edges the second ball but it goes past the slips for another boundary.

He turns the fourth ball on the leg side for one before AB gets one from the inside half of the bat through the vacant fine leg region for a four.

The duo bring up their 100-run partnership for the fifth wicket from 200 deliveries as South Africa continue to thwart the Indian bowlers.

17:53

- Scorecard

SA 287-4 (92 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer is a bit too predictable bowling from round the wicket as he is not getting the ball to shape away from the right-hander.

Another quiet over with a single from de Villiers in that over.

One gets the feeling that it won't be long before Ashwin comes into the attack.

17:49

- Scorecard

SA 286-4 (91 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Du Plessis edges the second ball from Ishant, which goes between the slips and gully for a four to take his score to 59.

Du Plessis, who is struggling with the thumb injury, is looking to leave as many deliveries as possible.

He plays out the rest of the over as SA continue to inch their way towards safety.

17:42

- Scorecard

SA 282-4 (90 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer comes back to replace Shami, who is given a breather. The first ball is wide and Faf offers no shot before he has to block the next two.

He gets the fifth ball on the inside half of the bat for one before de Villiers offers no stroke to another wide ball.

17:32

- Scorecard

SA 280-4 (88 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Faf plays forward to Shami but gets an edge which is well stopped at third slip by Rohit, diving to his right.

He nudges the next delivery to mid-on for a single and immediately winces his pain, he seems to experiencing pain on his right thumb.

Shami then bowls a good outswinger with the extra bouncer as AB is beaten again, playing inside the line.

The fourth delivery is short which AB pulls fine on the leg side for a boundary, to bring up his fifty from 84 balls.

He chips the fifth ball over midwicket for another boundary as run start to flow for the hosts.

He leaves the last ball which comes in and passes very close to the stumps.

17:28

- Scorecard

SA 271-4 (87 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ishant comes back, to replace Zaheer. The third ball is full and on the pads which de Villiers flicks through midwicket for a boundary.

Ishant gets him to edge the next ball but it flies past the slips for another four.

South Africa playing with a lot of confidence out in the middle.

17:22

- Scorecard

SA 263-4 (86 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami keeping a tight line around the off-stump and ensuring that he gets the batsmen to play as much as possible.

Du Plessis makes a good judgement to leave the ball which moves away before he blocks the next one.

Another good over from the young pacer, keeping the batsmen guessing.

17:18

- Scorecard

SA 263-4 (85 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer not making the batsmen play enough with the new ball as he bowls it wide and du Plessis watches them go before taking one from the fifth ball.

AB de Villiers defends the last ball of that over.

17:14

- Scorecard

SA 262-4 (84 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami produces a wonderful delivery, full and moving away, going past the defensive prod of AB de Villiers. He gets the third ball off the inside half of the bat and quickly sprints back for the second run.

South Africa adopting a positive approach and they still believe they are in with a chance.

17:10

- Scorecard

SA 260-4 (83 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

The target is under 200 now with a minimum of 53 overs left to play in the day.

Two very wide deliveries from Zaheer and AB is happy to leave them alone before he takes one to mid-on.

Du Plessis is content to play out the remaining three deliveries of the over.

Nothing much happening with the second new ball as both batsmen look quite comfortable.

17:06

- Scorecard

SA 259-4 (82 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami to share the new ball. He is moving the ball both ways as du Plessis gets the second ball off the outside half of the bat but the next comes in and hits him on the pads but a slight inside edge has saved him.

Shami drops short and Faf is quick to pull it over square leg for a half-century from 142 balls.

17:01

- Scorecard

SA 255-4 (81 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

India take the second new ball and Zaheer comes back for a new spell. A minimum of 55 overs left in the day with India needing six wickets for victory and South Africa requiring 211 runs.

Zaheer drifts down the leg side as AB flicks it fine for a boundary to bring up South Africa's 250-run mark. The next ball is a full toss which he flicks square for another boundary to take his score to 38.

16:57

- Scorecard

SA 247-4 (80 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Kohli continues, this could be his last over as the second new ball will be available after this over.

De Villiers takes a single from the fifth ball to bring up the 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket with du Plessis.

16:53

- Scorecard

SA 245-4 (78 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

De Villiers steers Kohli through the vacant thirdman region for two runs and then takes a single from the next ball.

Kohli just making up the numbers as he bowls it wide to a packed off-side and Faf just plays out the last three balls.

16:52

- Scorecard

SA 242-4 (77 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

AB defends the first two balls before flicking the third to deep midwicket for a single. Faf continues to play with caution as he blocks the last three deliveries of the over.

16:47

- Scorecard

SA 241-4 (76 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

India to continue with Kohli as they look to get the overs out of the way before the second new ball becomes available.

The second ball is a juicy half-volley outside the off-stump which du Plessis hammers through the covers for a boundary.

The slip is taken off and we have a short cover and silly mid-on in place.

Kohli is bowling it wide of the off-stump with a packed field to back it as Dhoni tells him in Hindi to just pitch it and not try anything else.

16:44

- Scorecard

SA 237-4 (75 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ashwin to resume after the lunch break. Du Plessis defends the first three deliveries before he takes one from the fourth ball and AB de Villiers plays out the last two balls of the over.

16:05

- Scorecard

LUNCH - DAY 5

SA 236-4 (74 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami to bowl the final over of the session. Du Plessis taps the second ball to midwicket for a single from the second ball.

AB is hit on the pads as he plays back but the LBW appeal is turned down maybe because of the height.

The next ball is overpitched and AB drives it through the covers for a cracking boundary.

At lunch, South Africa are 236 for four in 74 overs, with another 222 runs required for victory.

Faf du Plessis has showed great patience to score 42 from 114 balls, while AB de Villiers made 25 from 46 balls.

For India, Shami once again impressed to take two for 63, while Zaheer claimed one for 61 to complete 300 wickets in Test cricket.

15:59

- Scorecard

SA 231-4 (73 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

De Villiers looking to defend with lunch round the corner. Ashwin tries to bowl from round the wicket but the right-hander plays with utmost caution.

15:59

- Scorecard

SA 231-4 (72 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Kohli continues as Dhoni shouts "well bowled Chikoo" trying to get a few overs out of the way and give his pacers rest before the second new ball is due.

Three singles from Kohli's second over as SA continue to keep the scoreboard moving.

15:59

- Scorecard

SA 228-4 (71 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

AB plays back and is hit on the pads by Ashwin as he gets one to turn big and bounce but the LBW appeal is turned down.

He drives the third ball down the long-on which is halfway down for a single.

SA are 228 for four in 70 overs, needing another 230 runs for victory in around 64 overs.

15:52

- Scorecard

SA 227-4 (70 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

A surprise as part-time medium pacer Virat Kohli comes into the attack. Du Plessis flicks the first delivery on the leg side for two runs before he takes one from the next ball.

De Villiers taps it on the off-side for one before his partner defends the rest of the over.

15:48

- Scorecard

SA 223-4 (69 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

AB de Villiers gives Ashwin the charge but fails to get it off the middle as it goes over mid-on for a couple.

Ashwin varying his pace well as AB plays with the straight bat and plays out the over.

15:46

- Scorecard

SA 221-4 (68 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ishant overpitches and de Villiers punches him through the vacant cover region for a boundary.

Ishant hitting the cracks more often than others as another one jumps up and hits AB high on the bat but falls safely. He then takes a single from the fifth delivery.

15:41

- Scorecard

SA 216-4 (67 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Du Plessis plays with the turn against Ashwin before he is nearly done in by the carrom ball as he gets the edge which goes past first slip for two runs.

The right-hander blocks the last three balls of that over.

15:40

- Scorecard

SA 214-4 (66 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ishant is back to take over from Shami. De Villiers defends the first five balls before he is struck on the body by the fifth as the ball jumps up again from length.

15:34

- Scorecard

SA 214-4 (65 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Finally, we have spin as Ashwin is introduced. Du Plessis defends the first two deliveries before he takes one on the leg side and de Villiers does the same from the next.

Ashwin gets one to spin as du Plessis misses the flick off the fifth ball.

15:33

- Scorecard

SA 212-4 (64 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Still no sign of spin as Dhoni continues to juggle his three pace bowlers. De Villiers punches a full delivery straight down the ground for a boundary off Shami.

15:28

- Scorecard

SA 207-4 (63vs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer gets de Villiers to edge one but it falls short of the fielder at second slip.

He then takes a single to mid-on before du Plessis tucks it past leg slip for another run.

15:26

- Scorecard

SA 205-4 (62 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

De Villiers drives Shami through the off-side for two runs and the takes a single from the next delivery.

Du Plessis defends the rest of the over as the debate over DRS erupts after that Kallis wicket.

Surprisingly, the television commentators have not uttered a single word on DRS!

15:20

Zaheer Khan is the fourth Indian bowler to get scale the landmark of 300 wickets in Test cricket after Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev and Harbhajan Singh.

Check out the breakup of Zaheer's 300 Test wickets:

Aus 61
Eng 43
NZ 38
SA 38*
Ban 31
SL 28
WI 23
Zim 21
Pak 17

15:20

- Scorecard

SA 202-4 (61 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer has claimed his 300th wicket in Test wicket with the huge scalp of veteran Kallis, who is trapped leg before wicket after a fluent innings of 34 from 37 balls.

Kallis was unhappy walking back and replays confirm that he had got an inside edge before the ball hit his pads. No DRS in the series so he cannot review it!

AB de Villiers gets off the mark with a risky single to mid-on and du Plessis pulls the last ball ball through midwicket for a four.

15:14

- Scorecard

SA 195-3 (60 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Kallis drives Ishant back down the ground but the tall pacer comes down in time and makes a good stop to his left.

He takes a single from the fourth ball to mid-on while du Plessis plays out the last two deliveries of that over.

South Africa have scored 50 from the last 10 overs to reach 195 for three in 60 overs, still needing 263 runs for victory.

15:05

- Scorecard

SA 194-3 (59 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Du Plessis seems to be playing a lot more freely now. He flicks a full delivery from Zaheer through midwicket for three runs.

Kallis then clips the next delivery through the same region as Zaheer again errs with his line and this time it goes for a four.

Kallis has caught up with du Plessis on 28, but he has got it from 26 balls while his partner has played 77 deliveries for the same score.

Zaheer then gets one kick off from length, hitting the shoulder of the bat, but it falls safely over the slip region for three runs.

15:00

- Scorecard

SA 184-3 (58 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami gets a rest as Ishant comes into the attack in his place.

Du Plessis gets his first boundary after a long wait of 75 deliveries as he flicks a full delivery from Ishant through midwicket to take his score to 25.

Even Dhoni having problems judging the bounce as he misses one that dies on its way to him and he lets it go to give away two byes.

14:55

- Scorecard

SA 179-3 (57 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer from round the wicket bowls a beauty, full on the stumps and moving away at the last moment. Du Plessis will consider himself lucky not to have edged that delivery.

There is no stopping Kallis who drives a half volley from Zaheer for an exquisite cover drive to race to 24 from 22 balls with the help of five fours.

Is he looking at chasing this huge total?

14:51

- Scorecard

SA 172-3 (56 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Kallis continue his positive approach. A full delivery from Shami is driven down the ground past mid-off for a boundary before he flicks the next through midwicket for a couple.

The fifth delivery bounces more than expected after hitting the crack and Kallis is struck on the ribs.

14:48

- Scorecard

SA 165-3 (55 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Du Plessis has a close shave as he looks to defend but gets an inside edge which bounces and passes close to the stumps. That was very close to hitting the stumps.

India's pacers are making things happen by bowling on the stumps and making the SA batsmen play a lot more unlike what Steyn & Co. did.

14:47

- Scorecard

SA 163-3 (54 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Du Plessis content playing it safe as he takes a single on the leg side before Kallis drives it square through the off-side for his third boundary to race to 13 from as many balls.

The right-hander then takes a quick single on the leg side before du Plessis takes one from the fifth ball.

14:45

- Scorecard

SA 156-3 (53 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Zaheer Khan will have his first bowl of the day as he comes in to replace Ishant.

The first ball kept a bit low as Kallis defended it before he struck the third through the covers for another classy boundary.

He is looking in good touch and has already played a couple of good shots.

14:43

- Scorecard

SA 152-3 (52 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Veteran Kallis gets off the mark with a cracking boundary through the covers off Shami. He tries to flick the next delivery as Pujara sticks out his hand at short leg but fails to hold on. That was a very tough chance!

He tries that shot again off the fifth ball as Pujara makes another good effort but can't get to the ball.

14:41

- Scorecard

SA 147-3 (51 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Du Plessis comes forward to defend but gets an edge which goes through gully for two runs.

He then plays out the rest of the over as Ishant continues to play with good pace.

14:40

- Scorecard

SA 145-3 (50 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami strikes with the wicket of Petersen, who inside edges it back on to his stumps to be bowled after a good innings of 76 from 162 balls.

A loud appeal for LBW against Kallis, but it is turned down as the ball shapes in.

Faf du Plessis then tries to pull a short delivery but mistimes and it falls short of the fielder at midwicket.

14:18

- Scorecard

SA 141-2 (49 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ishant starts with a high bouncer to du Plessis, who lets it go through to the keeper but it is too high and is called a wide.

The right-hander plays out the rest of the over as SA look keen to play with caution and avoid any early wickets on Day 5.

14:12

- Scorecard

SA 140-2 (48 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami slips it down the leg side as he misses the flick but he gets a leg bye.

Petersen is then hit on the gloves as the ball bounces a bit more while he tries to leave the next one but it hits the bad and goes on the off-side.

So, a little bit of uneven bounce keeping the Indian bowlers interested.

14:08

- Scorecard

SA 139-2 (47 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Ishant Sharma to bowl from the other end. Faf du Plessis continues his defensive approach, leaving the first three balls, before taking one on the leg side.

Ishant then bowls a short ball which Petersen tries to duck under but it doesn't bounce much and hits him on the elbow.

14:04

- Scorecard

SA 138-2 (46 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

Shami to start off the fifth and final and Petersen will be facing him. The first ball is full and swings away as Petersen, on 76, looks to drive but is beaten.

Three slips and a fine gully in place for Shami as the close-in fielders.

He lets the next four deliveries go through before he is struck on the pads by the last delivery, full and swinging in, but the LBW is turned down by umpire Davies.

A good first over by Shami!

13:13

- Scorecard

SA 138-2 (45 ovs) & 244 vs India 280 & 421; Target: 458

India claimed the wickets of Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla in the post-tea session on the fourth day to boost their chances of pushing for victory against South Africa, in the first Test match, in Johannesburg.

South Africa went to stumps at 138 for two, with the hosts needing another 320 runs in their bid to chase down a world-record victory target of 458.

South Africa's best hope looks to be to save the game, with Alviro Petersen (76) and Faf du Plessis (10) to resume on Day 5, the latter promoted in the order to rest Jacques Kallis, who had bowled more than his usual quota of overs in India's second innings in Johannesburg.

Graeme Smith (44) put on an entertaining 108-run opening stand with Petersen in South Africa's second innings before he was run out attempting a quick single, while Hashim Amla (four) was bowled leaving a delivery that crashed into his stumps for the second time in the match.

The variable bounce in the pitch will make it difficult for the batsmen to trust their judgment and stacks the cards in India's favour going into the final day.

LIVE Cricket! India-SA first Test match ends in a thrilling draw

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