Cape Town - An unbroken stand of 133 between captain Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane stretched India's lead to 403 against South Africa on the third day of the fourth and final Test in Delhi on Saturday.
Kohli (83 not out, 154 balls, 10 fours) and Rahane who followed his first innings century with 52 not out (152 balls, 5 fours) put on an unbroken 133 for the fifth wicket in 49.5 overs.
With two full days to play, the only decision Kohli has to make is whether to declare overnight or give him the time he needs to complete his Test century. He certainly has enough time to follow the latter option.
The Proteas had their moments with Morne Morkel at last getting the reward he deserved with two wickets in his first four new ball overs to have India 8 for the loss of two wickets.
There was another double breakthrough to make the score 57 for four in the 32 over but even then India’s overall lead was already an imposing 270 runs.
Thereafter it was a battle of attrition as India scored 190 for four in the 81 overs that were possible before bad light made its daily intervention.
Morkel took three for 29 in 17 overs, while Imran Tahir, who bowled the most overs in the day (21), took the other wicket to fall.
The fact that India could only score at 2.34 per over is a clear indication that the current Indian lead is out of the Proteas’ reach.
They do, however, have the inspiration of previous fourth innings rearguard actions. To finish the tour with a fighting draw is something worth striving for.