The fourth Test appeared to be lost for South Africa, as they were set 481 runs for victory in Delhi, or just short of two days batting for a draw.
However, apparently no one told Hashim Amla, as he held India at bay for 207 balls, finishing on 23 not out.
South Africa finished Day 4 on just 2 for 72, after – wait for it – 72 overs of play.
India were stonewalled at an overage of just one run per over, bringing the Proteas almost half way to drawing the final Test.
After openers Dean Elgar (4 off 17) and Temba Buvana (34 off 117) fell, South Africa’s most important partnership came to the crease, with Amla joined by AB de Villiers, who also finished the day not out on 11 from 91 balls.
Earlier, India declared their second innings at 5 for 267 from 100.1 overs, showing the difficulty of batting throughout the match.
Heading into this fourth and final Test match, India were leading the series two games to nil.
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Brasstax
Guest
Its funny how you conveniently forget how in the first test of the same series in Adelaide, India under Kohli's captaincy went after a 450+ fourth innings target and looked well on course for a comfortable win before 15 minutes of harakiri cricket led to a narrow defeat. A win would have led to a drawn 1-1 series. I bet my bottom dollar that our current Aussie team would not have lasted even 40 overs if they were batting in Delhi now.
Johann
Guest
India won.
ozinsa
Guest
I hope desperately that Kohli's focus on the individual which led to his ludicrously late declaration costs him this match. Magnificent rear guard from SA but they should have had to bat two sessions more if India realised that cricket was a team game. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Amla has finally fallen after a mammoth effort. AB and Faf still at the crease with 55 overs to survive. This test match could completely change within in an over.
Outlier
Guest
I am a Saffer I would like to get a draw and not lose. Would be better if the series was not already lost, but I remember these sort of performances. I remember Lords (2008), and I will not soon forget Adelaide, Adelaide was awesome, getting a draw after losing 4 wickets on the afternoon of day 4 was amazing. I also think being able to do this will serve as a good confidence building exercise before the series against the Poms.
AZ_RBB
Guest
People actually think SA could have chased down 400+ in the 4th innings on this pitch if they tried? Wow ok.
EastsFootyFan
Roar Guru
I hope it annoys the Indian fans immensely, as that's how I felt when the Indians came out here and played for a draw in the final test despite having a shot at a win on the final day of their last test in the series here last year.
Benjamin Conkey
Editor
Fair enough. It will be a massive effort if they can pull it off. I just wish it meant more in terms of the series like when they stonewalled in Adelaide.
Paul D
Roar Guru
No, they don’t. Really, this particular test now is only for the South African team themselves, and for purists. As professionals, who are paid to play cricket to their utmost ability, they have obviously decided that their standards they set for themselves mean that they want to try and bat out this game and not be defeated. As you say, it makes no difference to the ledger, but I think it will mean a lot to the South African team if they can save this game.
Benjamin Conkey
Editor
Do you honestly think Test cricketers and fans look back on Test series results and think 'Hmm I'm glad we only lost that series 2-0 instead of 3-0"?
Pedro the Maroon
Guest
His Adelaide effort was particularly frustrating for all Aussie supporters to watch. Shaun Marsh can only dream of concentrating half as long.
dan ced
Guest
I have no issue with it, they know if they try to accelerate they will capitulate, the first two tests have proved that. I think it's smart. Might get Amla into some good form.
Winston
Guest
The difference is losing one more test.
jamesb
Guest
If you thought Amla and AB are good at stonewalling, FAF is still yet to bat.
Gordon Smith
Guest
Have been watching it on FOX - compelling viewing for lovers of cricket
Benjamin Conkey
Editor
What's the difference between a 2-0 series defeat and a 3-0 series defeat? I can understand playing for a draw two days out if it was 1-1 in the series or they were up, but it just doesn't seem like the right attitude to have for a Top team. Fair play to be able to bat like that but can't help thinking if they just waited for the bad ball they could have gone at 2.5 over with same minimal risk and still have an outside chance of going for it on Day 5.
Raugeee
Guest
Boring
AZ_RBB
Guest
The focus, concentration and patience to do what Amla and AB are doing is incredible. There's a list on Cricinfo at the moment of the slowest 175+ ball partnerships in test history. A bulk of the list of made up of South Africans batting to save a test. So far they've only 72 overs. Job isn't even half done. Slowest test 50 of all time I think is 300 balls plus. Amla has that covered no sweat :P
Paul D
Roar Guru
It's compelling in a bizarre sort of manner. South Africa are unique in terms of being able to bat time, no other team in the world can do it like they do. Anyone calling South Africa boring is kidding themselves, 481 in the fourth innings is an impossible mountain in India. I like that South Africa are backing themselves to come away with a draw this test, it's the only other option available to them apart from defeat.
Raugeee
Guest
Boring Saffers at it again. Haven't got the talent to try for an outright so take Test cricket back to the dark ages.