Newlands pitch rated 'unsatisfactory' after South Africa-India Test

The Cape Town venue played host to the shortest-ever completed Test match, with just 642 balls bowled as India completed a seven-wicket win

Elizabeth Botcherby | 09/01/2024 at 11:31

The ICC has rated the pitch which was used for the second Test between South Africa and India at Newlands as 'unsatisfactory'.

It was the shortest-ever completed Test match, with just 642 balls bowled in total.

Under the ICC pitch and outfield monitoring process, the Cape Town venue has received one demerit point. If a ground accumulates six demerit points over a rolling five-year period, it is suspended from hosting any international cricket for 12 months.

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^{Wickets tumbled at Newlands on a pitch match referee, Chris Broad, described as "difficult to bat on" [Grant Pitcher/Getty Images]}

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^{Aiden Markram was the only batter to have any joy on the pitch [Rodger Bosch/Getty Images]}

"The pitch in Newlands was very difficult to bat on," said match referee, Chris Broad.

"The ball bounced quickly and sometimes alarmingly throughout the match, making it difficult to play shots. Several batters were hit on the gloves and many wickets also fell due to the awkward bounce."

India completed their series-levelling seven-wicket win with three-and-a-half days to spare at Newlands, with 176 the highest total by either side.

Twenty-nine of the 33 wickets to fall were caught, with three bowled and Mohammed Siraj run out.

Siraj picked up 6 for 15 from nine overs as South Africa were skittled for 55 in their first innings – Kyle Verreynne (15) and David Bedingham (12) were the only players to reach double figures.

India replied with 153 but had six players depart for ducks and collapsed from 153 for 4 to 153 all out in 11 balls of chaos.

Aiden Markram scored a century as South Africa made 176 in their second innings, with his 106 (103) one of only four individual scores above 30 across the entire match. Jasprit Bumrah collected 6 for 61.

India chased down their meagre target of 79 in 12 overs.