Durban: Captain Graeme Smith scored the winning runs as South Africa knocked off a modest 58-run target to beat India by 10 wickets in the second Test at Kingsmead and win the two-match series 1-0.
The top-ranked nation achieved victory soon after tea on the last day to complete a highly satisfying result against their closest challengers in the world Test rankings.
“India are always a big challenge and it was always going to be important for us to do well against them,” Smith said at the post match presentation. It was also fitting farewell for South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who made a century in his final Test.
“The first session was crucial, we didn’t start well, a couple of bad decisions, tough decisions, a couple of bad shots,” India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said.
Dhoni, however, backed his young side saying the experience will stand the players in good stead.
“Overall, only a few of the top order had played more than five Tests outside the subcontinent, great experience for them to play the toughest side.”
“I’m very happy with the performance, especially of the bowlers. Without the luxury of an all-rounder, they bowled to the plan that they had. They must have learnt a lot out of these two games, also that Test cricket is about all five days, you may play one bad session and that will have an impact on the game itself,” said Dhoni.
Dhoni also paid rich tribute to South Africa’s legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis for whom it was his farewell Test.
“Jacques Kallis has been a fantastic cricketer, doesn’t talk much. Not just the runs he scored or the wickets he took, even the catches he took. He gave South Africa the luxury of playing an extra batsman. Youngsters will look up to him,” he said.
Kallis, meanwhile, paid handsome tributes to his late parents for all the support they gave to make him a cricketer and hoped he did them proud.
The all-rounder also said he was fortunate to have some great coaches.
“I’ve been fortunate to have had great coaches throughout the career, my friends and family have put up with me being away, will be nice to catch up with them. So many people to thank. Two of the most important people, who aren’t there, so ‘Mum, Dad I hope I’ve made you proud’,” said Kallis.
South Africa were 59 without loss in their second innings after India had been bowled out for 223 earlier in the day, failing to offer much resistance after being precariously placed at 68 for two overnight.
Only Ajinkya Rahane offered a bright spot for the Indians, coming within four runs of his maiden Test century.
He was the last Indian wicket to fall, just after lunch on Monday, swinging wildly on 96 with only the last tailender Mohammad Shami left in support.
South Africa took just 11.4 overs to knock off the required runs with Alviro Petersen 31 not out and Smith unbeaten on 27 after a six and a four from the last two balls of the game.
Spinner Robin Peterson emerged as the unlikely match hero, overshadowing his fast bowling colleagues with a four-wicket haul in India’s second innings to add to brisk the 61 runs he scored on Sunday, batting at No. 9 in South Africa’s first innings.
Steyn’s landmark
But nine wickets in the match for fast bowler Dale Steyn earned him the man of the match award and he became the second fastest player to reach 350 Test wickets.
On his last day of Test cricket, Kallis, regarded as South Africa’s finest cricketer, was not troubled in the slips and did not bat in the second innings.
“Last day of Test cricket for me,” he tweeted before play. “I have so many wonderful memories and stories, thanks to my family, friends, team mates and fans. Tough day.”
But there was more of a clinical edge than heavy emotion on Monday as South Africa went about their task with business-like efficiency to emphasis their status as the top-ranked Test team.
Kallis was taken by his teammates on a lap of honour, waving to the crowds.
The win ended a run of four successive Test defeats in Durban for the hosts, who last weekend came desperately close to a world record fourth-innings chase before settling for a draw in the first Test in Johannesburg.
