India extended their lead to 146 runs on Day 3 of the first Test in Centurion. India finished 16/1 at Stumps, KL Rahul and night-watchman Shardul Thakur remain unbeaten. Earlier, South African pacers restricted India to 327 in their first innings. India bounced back with its bowling unit and bowled out South Africa for 197 to take a healthy 130-run lead. However, the visitors lost their opener, Mayank Agarwal, cheaply for 4-run.

 India looked to add some more runs on day 3 after rain washed out day 2 play. But the Proteas pacers Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada triggered Indian batting collapse very early. Both the seamers bowled brilliantly and spoiled India’s plan to score above 400. India lost seven wickets for mere 55 runs. Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers with six wickets. While Rabada bagged three, debutant Marco Jansen finished with one.

 Indian frontline seamer Jasprit Bumrah stunned the Proteas by dismissing their skipper Dean Elgar in the very first over. Pant took an excellent diving catch to send him back. Later, Bumrah left the field after he twisted his ankle on the follow-through. Indian pacers attacked the South African top-order with deliveries that moved in and out. Mohammed Shami bowled out Keegan Petersen (15) and Aiden Markram (13) in quick succession. 

Temba Bavuma (52) and Quinton de Kock (34) showed some resistance and looked to build good innings by adding 72 runs. But Indian bowlers had other ideas and took wickets at regular intervals to reduce the Proteas for 197. Indian senior seamer Shami completed his fifer and also registered his 200th Test wicket. Bumrah and Thakur scalped two wickets each.