India clawed their way back into contention on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, with spinner Kuldeep Yadav claiming three crucial wickets to restrict the visitors to 247 for 6 at stumps (Nov 22).
Despite losing the toss and being asked to bowl first on a batting-friendly surface, the hosts showed resilience through disciplined bowling performances as Guwahati hosted its inaugural Test match. Stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, leading India in the absence of injured Shubman Gill, marshalled his resources effectively on a day that saw early sunset force an early stumps.
South Africa’s openers Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35) provided a solid foundation with an 82-run partnership, the highest of the series so far. However, Jasprit Bumrah broke through just before tea with a trademark delivery that breached Markram’s defenses, castling the opener with an inswinger after he had survived an early dropped catch by KL Rahul.
The tourists rebuilt through captain Temba Bavuma (41) and Tristan Stubbs (49), who added 84 runs for the fourth wicket. Both batsmen looked settled before falling to expansive strokes, with Bavuma chipping tamely to mid-off against Ravindra Jadeja and Stubbs edging Kuldeep to slip, falling agonisingly short of his half-century.
Kuldeep Yadav emerged as India’s most successful bowler with figures of 3 for 48, displaying excellent control and extracting turn from the docile surface. His second spell proved decisive as he dismissed Rickelton caught behind immediately after the tea break, before accounting for Stubbs and Wiaan Mulder (13).
Mohammed Siraj provided a late breakthrough with the second new ball, inducing an edge from Tony de Zorzi (28) that was brilliantly snapped up by Pant diving to his left. Senuran Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 25 alongside Kyle Verreynne (1) as bad light ended play early at 81.5 overs. The pitch offered consistent bounce throughout with minimal demons, making wickets a reward for persistence rather than conditions.
For South Africa, the frustration of getting starts but no substantial scores continued from the first Test. All their top-order batsmen crossed 25 but none reached fifty, leaving them in a vulnerable position despite the favorable batting conditions.
For the first time in the history of Test cricket, each of the top-four in a team innings scored 35 or more but none of them reached/crossed 50.
With India needing to win this match to level the series after their defeat in Kolkata, Day 2 promises to be crucial as the hosts look to wrap up the South African innings quickly and build a substantial first-innings lead.
DAY 1 SCORECARD
South Africa 1st Innings: 247/6 (81.5 overs)
