AB de Villiers’ 42nd fifty puts South Africa in good position against India in Centurion

AB de Villiers slammed his 42nd fifty and seventh against India to put South Africa in a solid position in the Centurion Test.

South Africa veteran AB de Villiers scored his 42nd Test fifty to guide South Africa to a strong position on the third day of the second Test here on Monday. De Villiers reached the feat in 78 balls with six boundaries, raising a 87-run third wicket partnership with opener Dean Elgar. (South Africa vs India 2nd Test Day 3 Updates)

AB de Villiers in action on the third day of the second Test match between South Africa and India in Centurion. (BCCI)

Coming in at 3/2 after Jasprit Bumrah snapped up the wickets of Aiden Markram and Hashim Amla but de Villiers turned around the situation by counter-attacking the India bowlers. He first pounced on Bumrah, India’s most successful bowler of the day, by punching it in front of square. (South Africa vs India 2nd Test Day 3 Scores)

Ishant Sharma too got the stick when de Villiers caressed him through mid-off before driving down the wicket. The best thing about his innings was how de Villiers was rotating the strike. Not only did it help South Africa’s score but also allowed the pressure to come off Elgar.

He got to his fifty by scoring a quick single off Bumrah but it hasn’t been a error-free innings from him, especially after the way Bumrah almost got an edge off his bat the earlier delivery. South Africa though will take this runs. One half of the saving act in the first innings in Newlands, de Villiers might prove to be the difference here again if India don’t dismiss him quickly.