Mohammed Siraj had a dream outing on the cricket field during Day 1 of the second Test match during India's tour of South Africa. 0-1 down in the series and coming at a venue where the visitors had a horrible record- the Newlands Cricket Ground, India lost the toss and were asked to bowl first by the Proteas. However, Siraj ensured that it was a good toss to lose eventually for Team India, finishing with exceptional figures of 6 for 15 in 9 overs.
It was Siraj's spell that ensured that Proteas were bowled out for a paltry score of 55 in 23.2 overs even before the lunch break was called. So good were the Indian pacers with Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar also chipping in with a couple of wickets apiece that they managed to bowl South Africa out for their lowest total since 1932. On course to his six-wicket haul, Siraj joined an elite list becoming only the second Indian bowler after Maninder Singh to complete a fifer before Lunch on Day 1.
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Maninder Singh's Feat Came In 1987
Maninder Singh's achievement came in the year 1987. This was in a match against Pakistan in Bangalore. However, even though India seem to be a strong position in the Cape Town Test, Maninder's effort had not proved enough in the past with India going on to lose the Test by 16 runs. Pakistan batted first and had put on 116 in the first innings with Maninder's figures reading 7 for 27 in 18.2 overs. However, India could not take a massive first innings lead and made 145 in their first innings before Pakistan came back with a solid total of 245 in their second innings. The touring team led by Imran Khan then bowled India out for 204 to register a famous win, implying Maninder's effort went in vain.