5 Highest Test partnerships by Indians in South Africa

#1 Sachin Tendulkar & Mohammad Azharuddin - 222 at Cape Town (1997)

Mohammad Azharuddin launched an astonishing counterattack against the Protea pacers

As much as they remained invincible at home, the Indian Test side travelled very poorly in the 1990s. All their supporters could hope for was some respite by their few batting stars. In the 1996/97 series on South African soil, they were led by talisman Tendulkar.

After being trampled by a Durban flier, a wary Indian lineup arrived at Cape Town for the second Test. With conditions not as challenging as the preceding match, the visitors hoped for a better fight back. In response to South Africa's 529/7 declared, India were reduced to 58/5 and stared at bigger humiliation.

All hopes rested on their two best batsmen in Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin. The duo did not disappoint. Even as the elegant Hyderabadi produced an astonishing comeback, the Indian skipper anchored the innings at the other end. Their 222-run stand could not prevent the Proteas from surging to a comprehensive triumph.

This partnership might have been equalled in terms of runs by Pujara and Kohli in 2013. However, the sheer quality of stroke-play from both Azharuddin and Tendulkar turned their association into the most unforgettable one among all such efforts by Indian batsmen in South Africa.

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