Fourth Test: India beat South Africa by 337 runs, clinch series 3-0
South Africa were eventually bowled out for 143 runs. By virtue of the 337-run win, India mauled South Africa to clinch the four match series 3-0 and reached the second spot in the ICC Test rankings.
Barring the Delhi Test, the other matches were over by 2 and a half days, but the Indian bowlers were made to toil hard as play rolled on to the last session of the last day for the first time in the series.
Both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja had to bowl in excess of 45 overs and managed to pick up 7 of the 10 South African wickets that fell.
The top scorer for the Proteas, de Villers played a marathon knock of 279 balls for his 43 runs. Earlier South African captain Hashim Amla played 244 balls.
South Africa's cause was also helped by Faf du Plessis and dane Vilas who played in excess of 50 deliveries.
The Indians were helped by some stunning fielding and catches by the wicket keeper and the other close in fielders.
After Jadeja's 5-wicket haul, Ashwin too chipped in, in the second innings, picking his 14th 5-wicket haul.
Yadav picked up 3 wickets. The remaining two were picked up by Jadeja.
Man-of the-match Ajinkya Rahane dedicated his prize to the Chennai flood victims and the Indian Army.
Ashwin, the Man-of-the Series for his 31 wickets in 4 Tests, spoke about the support from Ravindra Jadeja. With 5 man of the series awards, Ashwin also equalled Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most MOS awards by an Indian.
South African captain Hashim Amla said, "We had to bat long and hard to save the game. We tried hard. Congratulations to AB and the guys for the effort. I am happy for the guys for the way they faught."
While collecting the trophy, Virat Kohli, the Indian Test captain said that it is important to back the seamers and was very happy with the performance.
Kohli said, "You feed on each other's energy. I was surprised with the efforts by the SA players."
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