India vs South Africa, 1st Test Day 4: India set Proteas a target of 305 runs at Centurion

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Centurion, December 29: India set South Africa a formidable target of 305 to win on the fourth day of the first Test here at the SuperSport Park on Wednesday (December 29).

India were restricted to 174 in their second innings by SA pacers Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, who took eight wickets equally among them.

But the total was enough for an overall lead of 304, and Rishabh Pant top-scored for India with a run-a-ball 34. It also helped India to extend the lead past the 300-run mark.

South Africa will have a little more than 50 overs to negotiate on Day 4 and there was forecast of rain on Day 5 on Thursday (December 30). The second day of the Test was already washed out by incessant rain.

Disappointment for Kohli

Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli ended the year 2021 without scoring a century in international cricket as he departed for 18 in the second innings of the first Test against South Africa on Wednesday (December 29).

In 2020 also Kohli had failed to reach the triple-figure mark.

The Indian skipper had last scored a ton in the day-night Test against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens in 2019.

South Africa bowler Marco Jansen removed Kohli in the 33rd over as the batter's quest for his 71st ton continued.

Coming to the game, South Africa pegged back India in the first session on Day 4 of the first Test match here at the SuperSport Park, Centurion on Wednesday.

India lost Thakur, the nightwatchman, KL Rahul before Kohli departed this morning.

India's lead is now more than 250 runs however, the visitors have lost six wickets.

On Tuesday, India lost Mayank Agarwal's at the cusp of the stumps but the visitors still ended Day Three of the first Test in the driver's seat.

India had bundled out South Africa for 197 in the third session before the hosts lost Mayank's wicket minutes before the end of the play.

Mohammed Shami took a five-wicket haul on Day 3 and also completed 200 wickets in the longest format of the game.