South Africa seized control of the second Test against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, posting a mammoth first innings total of 489 before India reached stumps at 9 for no loss on Day 2 (Nov 23).
After resuming at the overnight score of 247 for 6, South Africa’s lower order produced a stunning fightback, with Senuran Muthusamy scoring a maiden Test century and Marco Jansen’s explosive 93 turning the match on its head. The pair added crucial runs in a partnership that completely changed the complexion of the innings, with Jansen’s innings including a record seven sixes against India on home soil.
Muthusamy, showing remarkable composure, compiled 109 runs to anchor the South African innings.
Jansen’s attacking 93 off just 91 balls featured breathtaking stroke play before he fell agonisingly short of his maiden Test hundred, dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav. The dismissal came when Jansen played on while attempting to guide the ball, having earlier lit up the ground with his aggressive hitting.
The Indian bowling attack, led by stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, toiled for 151.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
When India came out to bat in fading light, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal negotiated 6.1 overs safely, taking the hosts to stumps at 9 for no loss, trailing by 480 runs. With conditions favoring batsmen on what appears to be an excellent batting surface, India face a monumental challenge to save the match and the series.
Scorecard – End of Day 2:
- South Africa 1st Innings: 489 all out (151.1 overs)
- S. Muthusamy 109, M. Jansen 93, T. Stubbs 49, T. Bavuma 41, K. Verreynne 45
- Kuldeep Yadav 4 wickets
- India 1st Innings: 9/0 (6.1 overs) – Trail by 480 runs
- K.L. Rahul 2*, Y. Jaiswal 7*
