Amla’s double century powers South Africa to imposing total against India
By ANISunday, February 7, 2010
NAGPUR - South African batsman Hashim Amla struck a double century as the visitors declared their first innings at 558 for six on the second day of the first Test against India here on Sunday.
Amla rode his luck and remained unbeaten on 253 off 473 deliveries with the help of 22 boundaries. His previous best score was 176 against New Zealand at Johannesburg in 2007, and now has the record for the highest score ever by a South African against India, beating A.B. de Villiers’s 217.
Jacques Kallis added to India’s misery before being dismissed at 173, and the duo in the process added 340 for the third wicket. It is now the highest third-wicket score in India and the biggest in Test cricket since the same pair put on 330 against New Zealand in 2007.
Team India’s bowling attack had some cheer as part time spinner Virender Sehwag (1-55) castled De Villiers, who made a breezy 53 off 88 deliveries.
Jean-Paul Duminy (9) failed to make an impact and was adjudged lbw to off-spinner Harbhajan Singh (2-145), even though replays suggested the ball would have passed over the stumps.
Day one hero Zahir Khan (3-96) dismissed wicketkeeper Mark Boucher (39).
In reply, Team India scored 25 for no loss at stumps with openers Gautam Gambhir (12 not out) and Sehwag (nine not out). (ANI)
