Cape Town: Keegan Petersen's 82 helped South Africa seal a seven-wicket victory on Day 4 of the third and series-deciding Test, and clinch the Freedom Trophy 2-1 against India here at Newlands on Friday.
With the victory, South Africa have denied India to create history and win their first away Test series in the rainbow nation.
The day began with South Africa needing 111 runs, while India looking for eight wickets. Petersen brought up his half-century, third of the series, off 65 balls.
Rassie van der Dussen got into attacking mode as he crushed one through the covers off Mohammed Shami. Soon, the fast bowler thought he had got Van der Dussen but the on-field umpire did not give it.
Nonetheless, India reviewed caught behind appeal. The third umpire ruled that the spike was from the bat hitting the ground. Ultimately, there was no conclusive evidence to overturn the decision.
India again created chances, with Jasprit Bumrah finding the edge of Petersen, who was on 59. However, Cheteshwar Pujara dropped a sitter at first slip.
It was Shardul Thakur who finally struck for India. The pacer snared the big wicket of Petersen, who walked back for 82. The batter looked to open the bat face and play it towards the off-side but ended up getting a thick inside edge onto the stumps.
India managed to take just one wicket in the first session. After resumption, with Van der Dussen (41 not out) and Temba Bavuma (32 not out) in the middle, South Africa inched closer to win the series.
The duo stitched a solid 50-run partnership off 104 deliveries before Bavuma sealed the match for the hosts with a boundary. (UNI)
