India renewed its hopes of a maiden Test series triumph in South Africa after completing an 87-run win in the second Test in Durban on Wednesday.
The victory, completed in four days, ensured that the two teams would begin the New Year's Test at Newlands, Cape Town, on an equal footing.
The victory was set up by V.V.S. Laxman's 96 on day three, the only half century of the match. Accepting the Man of the Match award, Laxman rated it as one of his best knocks. “I always take pride in what I do overseas,” he said. “Beating South Africa in South Africa, that too in Durban, it is definitely up there.”
On day four, the bowlers backed up Laxman's efforts with an unwavering display, ensuring that South Africa's chase of 303 never gained momentum. Zaheer Khan, who returned after missing the first Test with a hamstring injury, led the attack brilliantly, taking six wickets, three in each innings.
Skipper M.S. Dhoni acknowledged the left-armer's contribution. “Zaheer is the best fast bowler we have,” said Dhoni. “He is very good at executing his plans, and also comes up with Plan B whenever a plan does not work.”
Starting the day on 111 for three, South Africa's chances vanished with the loss of four wickets in the first session. Sreesanth, who finished with three wickets, set the tone with his dismissal of Jacques Kallis with a nasty lifter that produced a gloved catch to gully. The balance further tilted India's way when Harbhajan Singh removed A.B. de Villiers six overs later.
The off spinner may have been fortunate to see his LBW appeal upheld, with replays suggesting the ball was going over the stumps. South Africa's ill-luck continued with the dismissal of Mark Boucher, adjudged LBW off Zaheer with the ball's line appearing to miss off stump.
