S Sreesanth dismissed Jacques Kallis during the 2010 Test vs. South Africa in Durban with an unplayable delivery that remains iconic to this day (Images via Getty) As India and South Africa prepare to renew their rivalry in the upcoming Test series starting on November 14 at the Eden Gardens, here’s a revisit of one of the most memorable moments from the competition, where Sreesanth’s unplayable delivery to Jacques Kallis stunned everyone in Durban during the 2010 series. The 2nd Test in Durban remains a landmark in Indian cricket. India, who suffered a heavy defeat in Centurion, bounced back with an 87 win in Durban to level the series. It was a victory built on bowling brilliance and highlighted by a single delivery that turned the tide. It was none other than a scorching bouncer from Sreesanth to dismiss one of the most technically skilled batsmen in the game.
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Chasing 303 for victory, South Africa started the fourth day on 192 runs with Kallis and AB de Villiers at the crease. Both scored centuries in the previous Test. Under clear skies and on a lively pitch on the fourth day, the Indian bowlers struck early. After 15 years, the most remarkable moment of the victory remains the unplayable delivery to Kallis when Sreesanth released a ball that rose and cut, giving Kallis no chance to escape.Watch the iconic layoff here Kallis could only instinctively bend backwards as the ball hit his gloves and lobbed into gully. Sreesanth didn’t celebrate extravagantly either as the pacer clenched his fist to mark the wicket. The Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh also delivering crucial blows as South Africa were bowled out for 215 in 72.3 overs on Day 4. India’s win in Durban was significant as it was their first Test win at the venue, coming 14 years after it was demolished there in 1996. The result again highlighted India’s ability to win in tough overseas conditions and established a decisive role in Cape Town.
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As the 2025 home series headed by Shubman Gill and featuring the return of Rishabh Pant approaches, the memory of this fierce match serves as a reminder of the fire this rivalry can ignite. When India and South Africa meet, moments of brilliance like the one Sreesanth pulled off, alongside the iconic 222-run stand between Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin, stand out to this day.
