At Port Elizabeth, December 9 (day/night). South Africa won by six wickets. Toss: India.

A straightforward win by South Africa will be remembered less than the controversy which ensued when Kapil Dev ran out Kirsten for backing up before he bowled the ball. Kapil did not warn the batsman, having done so three times previously on the tour, Kirsten reacted angrily before walking off. Later in the same over Wessels appeared to collide with Kapil as he turned for a second run. India lodged a complaint that Wessels had hit him on the shins with his bat. They also claimed that Kirsten had shown dissent and incited the crowd. Clive Lloyd, the match referee, announced the next day that Wessels had admitted his bat had come into contact with Kapil but had said it was unintentional. Lloyd had not seen the incident and, as the television cameras had been following the ball, he said the truth could not be established. Kirsten was fined 50 per cent of his match fee for unacceptable conduct.

On a slow pitch India recovered from 84 for seven to reach 147, but they were always contained by tight South African out-cricket; McMillan took four wickets, held a good slip catch and was responsible for a run-out. South Africa, too, began slowly, and were 70 for four before Callaghan and Cronje settled in.

Man of the Match: B. M. McMillan.

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