India and South Africa: The only two teams to feature in all 4 of Test cricket's highest-scoring innings
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In Test history, only four innings have been played between India and South Africa in which 600+ runs have been scored. The Indian team achieved this feat on three of these occasions. Let's learn about each of these matches.
March 2008: This match between the two countries was played in Chennai, in which South Africa, batting first, scored 540 runs on the basis of a brilliant innings by Hashim Amla (159).
The Indian team responded strongly. Virender Sehwag scored 319, while Rahul Dravid made 111 to take the Indian innings to 627. The South African team declared their second innings at 331/5. The match ended in a draw.
February 2010: South Africa were bowled out for just 296 in their first innings at Eden Gardens. In reply, India declared their first innings at 643/6, thanks to centuries from Virender Sehwag (165), Sachin Tendulkar (106), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (132 not out) and VVS Laxman (143 not out).
India had a huge first innings lead. The pressure was evident on South Africa, and the visitors were bundled out for just 290 in their next innings. India won the match by an innings and 57 runs.
December 2010: This match between the two countries was played in Centurion, in which the South African bowlers dominated. India's first innings was reduced to just 136 runs. In response, the hosts declared their first innings at 620/4. India made a brilliant comeback in the second innings. Sachin Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 111 runs, while captain Dhoni made 90 runs, but Team India was all out for 459 runs. South Africa won the match by an innings and 25 runs.
October 2019: In the match played in Pune, India declared their first innings at 601/5, thanks to the brilliant batting of Virat Kohli (254 not out) and Mayank Agarwal (108).
In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 275 in their first innings, forced to follow on, and could only manage 189 in their second. India won the match by an innings and 137 runs.