South Africa vs India 2018, 2nd Test: What went wrong for the visitors

#4 Batsmen throwing away wickets at crucial junctures

South Africa's bowlers were definitely better than their Indian counterparts and their effort should not be discounted, but, the visitors' batsmen did throw away their wickets at crucial junctures that led to their crushing defeat by 135 runs at Centurion.

The hosts were also put in some uncomfortable situations by Indian bowlers but their batsmen stitched up partnerships to take the Proteas out of troubled waters.

When AB de Villiers walked out to bat in the second innings, South Africa's scorecard read 3/2.

It seemed that another batting collapse, like the one in hosts'second outing at Cape Town, was on the cards.

But, De Villiers had different plans. The former Proteas skipper and opener Dean Elgar batted out of their skins and extended the lead to 118 at stumps on day three.

Skipper Faf du Plessis' stonewalling effort in both his innings at the SuperSports Park frustrated his opponents and proved to be a major differentiator between the two teams.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli fought a lone battle in the first innings as no other Indian batsman showed intent.