South Africa is close to achieving a remarkable feat—winning a Test series in India for the first time in 25 years. This situation unfolded during the fourth day of their match in Guwahati, where India was reduced to 27-2 while chasing a daunting target of 549 runs.
India’s Challenging Position
In their first innings, India was dismissed for just 201 runs. Now, they face the daunting task of batting through the final day to avoid a whitewash in their home Test series. This would be their second such occurrence in just three series, a stark contrast to their previous 12-year dominance at home.
South Africa’s Strong Performance
In this two-Test series, South Africa secured an early victory in the first match in Kolkata, winning by 30 runs. The situation for the visitors shifted on day four, starting with a score of 26-0. However, they faced a dip, slipping to 77-3 after losing three wickets for merely 18 runs in a short 13-over stretch.
Tristan Stubbs, the standout performer for South Africa, scored 94 runs. He formed a crucial century partnership with Tony de Zorzi before adding 82 runs alongside Wiaan Mulder. His innings concluded after he was bowled by spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who took 4 wickets for 62 runs, leading to South Africa’s declaration.
India’s Struggle to Respond
- India’s opening pair faced immediate trouble, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal to a catch from Marco Jansen.
- KL Rahul followed soon after, bowled by Simon Harmer.
With the pressure mounting, Kuldeep Yadav entered as a nightwatchman, ending the day not out on four runs, while teammate Sai Sudharsan scored six. The home team must now display resilience to avert a historic defeat against South Africa.
