AFP, NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane smashed an unbeaten 89 to steer India to 231-7 on the opening day of the fourth and final Test against South Africa in smoggy conditions in New Deli on Thursday. Rahane, 27, hit two sixes and nine boundaries in his 155-ball knock, the highest score in what has otherwise been a low-scoring series that India leads 2-0.
The talented right-hander, dropped on 78 by South Africa skipper Hashim Amla, defied an inspired bowling attack led by off-spinner Dane Piedt to consolidate the
Indian innings. Piedt grabbed four wickets for 101 runs while recalled paceman Kyle Abbott chipped in with three scalps on a strip that offered inconsistent bounce to the bowlers.
India are looking to pile on the agony for the top-ranked tourists after winning the first and third Tests to take an unassailable lead, while the second in Bangalore was washed out. Under grey, smoggy skies, Rahane raced to his eighth Test half-century and the first in India with a slog-swept six off Piedt followed by a boundary one ball later.

Scores
India 1st innings: 231/7 in 84 overs