Amidst all the drama surrounding the match-referee's controversial decision of handing out harsh punishments to six of their players, India showed tremendous grit and determination to salvage a draw in the rain-marred second cricket Test match against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on, South Africa on Tuesday.
Chasing 395 runs for an improbable victory, India rode on a 171-run second wicket partnership, an Indian record against South Africa, to reach 206 for three when play was aburptly called off, for the fourth day in succession, in the 97th over. Sachin Tendulkar, who had been handed down a one-match suspended ban by match-referee Mike Denness for tampering with the ball, was batting on 22 while skipper Sourav Ganguly, punished with one-Test and two one-dayer suspension for failing to control his players, was on four when the match came to an end. South Africa had made 362 in their first innings to which India had replied with 201. South Africa declared their second innings at 233 for five after rain prevented most of the fourth day's play yesterday, setting a daunting 395-run target for the Indians. Bureau Report