Ranchi:India were two wickets away from a historic 3-0 clean sweep over South Africa after reducing the visitors to 132 for eight in their second innings at stumps on day three of the third and final Test, here at the JSCA Stadium Complex on Monday.
South Africa were still trailing by 203 runs and Theunis de Bruyn (30) and Anrich Nortje (5) were at the crease after the end of play on Day 3. South Africa lost 16 wickets on Monday. India had made 497 for nine declared in their first innings after electing to bat.
Resuming at their overnight score of 9 for 2, South Africa offered no resistance in the morning session. Umesh Yadav bowled a beautiful delivery to remove South Africa captain Faf du Plessis as the first wicket of the wicket.
After du Plessis's wicket, Zubayr Hamza and Temba Bavuma stalled the Indian attack for a short while by stitching a partnership of 62 between them.
Sure Hamza looked aggressive and played a few sterling shots but couldn't continue his innings longer as he was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. Soon after, Bavuma was stumped by Wriddhiman Saha to become Shahbaz Nadeem's maiden Test wicket in successive overs.
Debutant George Linde looked good for his 37, however no other Proteas batsmen showed dedication to stay on the wicket as the Indian bowling attack was far too potent for the South Africans.
Umesh Yadav took 3 wickets while Mohammed Shami, Nadeem and Jadeja picked 2 wickets apiece as South Africa were blown away for 162 in their first innings.
Virat Kohli then broke Mohammad Azharuddin's record when he enforced the follow-on for the 7th time.
South Africa were off to a bad start even in their second innings after Shami and Umesh rocked their top-order once again.
Umesh Yadav took the first wicket by as he dismissed opener Quinton de Kock while Mohammed Shami removed Zubayr Hamza, Faf du Plessis and Bavuma to leave South Africa reeling.At the stroke of tea, Dean Elgar was hit on the side of the helmet by a Umesh Yadav delivery.
South Africa decided to use their concussion substitute and Theunis de Bruyn walked out to bat alongside Dane Piedt after Heinrich Klaasen fell to Umesh when play resumed in the final session of the third day.
Dane Piedt and de Bruyn tried to delay the loss but a bad shot by Piedt allowed Jadeja to get his first wicket of the second day. Play was extended to get the result on the third day but bad light forced the umpires to close the day's play.
Both teams will return to the ground on Tuesday as India look to pick up the final 2 wickets to complete their first-ever whitewash over South Africa in a Test series.
India had won the first Test in Vizag 203 runs and the second Test in Pune by an innings and 137 runs.
Brief Scores:
India 1st innings: 497/7 declared
South Africa: 162 and 132 for 8 in 46 overs. (T de Bruyn batting 30, G Linde 27; Mohammed Shami 3/10, Umesh Yadav 2/35).