 de Villiers, Kallis put South Africa in an impregnable position
4th Apr 2008 19:01 IST
Agencies
AB de Villiers (217 not out) and Jacques Kallis (132) proved there was no demon in the track as South Africa tightened the noose around India's neck with a mammoth first innings lead of 418 runs in the second Test at the Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad today.
de Villiers became the first South African to make a double century against India and looked in no mood of relenting, while Kallis was rock solid as the duo forged a record 256-run stand to virtually bat India out of the game.
The visitors were comfortably placed at 494/7 at close on the second day, which turned out to be frustrating for the India as their bowlers toiled hard to get the wickets.
The hosts were clearly relieved as rain lashed the Motera forcing early curtains on the day's proceedings with de Villiers and Paul Harris (9) in the middle with nearly 13 overs to go.
After their bowlers had shot out India in the morning for a humiliating 76 on Day One, South African batsmen complimented their effort by batting sensibly to push the hosts to the corner.
de Villiers faced 333 balls for his unbeaten career-best knock of 217, which included 17 hits to the fence besides a couple of sixes.
Among the hapless lot of Indian bowlers, Harbhajan Singh managed four scalps conceding 135 runs in his 40 overs.
Now with the South Africans in complete control of the match, only two results seem possible -- either a win for the visitors or a draw, for which India would have to come up with something truly extraordinary.
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