#1 India vs South Africa, The Wanderers, Johannesburg, 2018
Another low scoring thriller, this match deserves the first place on our list for the valiant and tenacious performance by the Indians in alien, unfavourable conditions. Already having lost the series, India looked to salvage pride in the third game against the hosts.
Indian captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat first. India managed to put 187 runs on the board, with Cheteshwar Pujara and Kohli hitting gritty half centuries. Bhuvneshwar's brisk contribution of 30 down the order was invaluable.
Jasprit Bumrah's maiden five-wicket haul, complemented by three wickets of Bhuvneshwar Kumar restricted the Proteas to 194.
Indian batsmen took the field once again, on a pitch which had now become extremely difficult and to an extent, dangerous, to bat on.
Nonetheless, the visitors put up a spirited display, without complaining about the conditions. Captain Kohli and Vice-Captain Rahane scored 40s, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar stepped up with another vital contribution down the order. India set a target of 241 for the Proteas.
The Indian seamers exploited the conditions majestically, however, concern for players' safety suspended the play after a few balls threateningly hit the South African openers. Mohammad Shami claimed the first wicket on the fourth day.
India had to persevere for the second wicket, but picked up the remaining eight without much resistance, save Dean Elgar. It was Shami this time who picked up a five-wicket haul.
The win was largely creditable to the infectious courage of Virat Kohli as a captain, who constantly motivated his teammates to fight the adverse conditions without cribbing.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was awarded the Man of the Match for his exploits with the bat and the ball. India won the final Test but lost the series 2-1.
Result- India won by 63 runs
Man of the Match- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4/83 and 30 & 33)
Other Key Performers- Virat Kohli (54 & 41), Jasprit Bumrah (7/111), Mohammad Shami (6/74)
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