South Africa Take Command in Guwahati as India Face Likely Home Series Defeat

Guwahati, Day 3: South Africa in firm control

South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test in Guwahati, amassing 489 in their first innings thanks to Senuran Muthusamy’s 109, while India struggled to 201 in reply. The Proteas then closed on 26-0 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 314 as they eye a swift series victory.

First innings dominance

South Africa posted a formidable 489, with Muthusamy delivering a composed century as Kuldeep Yadav returned 4-115 for India. Closer to the close, Sarel Rickelton remained not out on 13, helping the visitors extend their advantage late in the day.

India’s reply and Jansen’s impact

India’s innings was led by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who top-scored with 58 before falling to a sharp spell from Marco Jansen, who then ripped through the middle order with a sequence of wickets. Jansen finished with 6-48, tearing into India’s middle and lower order as the home side slipped from 102-3 to 122-7.

Washington Sundar battled to 48, forging a 72-run stand with Kuldeep Yadav (19), but Harmer prised out Sundar, and Jansen wrapped up the innings by dismissing Kuldeep and Jasprit Bumrah.

Lead and implications

India were all out for 201, leaving South Africa with a substantial 314-run cushion. With the series poised at 1-0 in favor of South Africa from the first Test, the outcome in Guwahati now looks likely to swing in the visitors’ direction, extending a tough period for India at home in Tests.

Commentators noted that India had not lost a home Test series in 12 years until a 3-0 defeat to New Zealand last year, and while a quick turnaround has followed against the West Indies, this result would mark another setback for the hosts.

Match Outlook

The stage is set for South Africa to seal the series in Guwahati if they can any keep India under pressure in their second innings and chase down the target when it comes. The Indian batters will need a resilient reply to avert a potential series whitewash at home.

Key Takeaways

• South Africa dominated the day with a 489 first-innings score and a 314-run lead after India were bowled out for 201.
• Marco Jansen’s 6-48 spearheaded the bowling attack, unraveling India’s middle order in a defining spell.
• India’s top order created a brief resistance, but the lower order collapse left them with a steep chase ahead.
• The series momentum tilts decisively toward South Africa, with a strong chance of a 2-0 verdict in this two-match series.

Expert Comment

Expert view: Analysts say South Africa have found the formula to break India’s rhythm, combining disciplined bowling with sharp fielding. If the Proteas maintain pressure, the result could be sealed early in the final innings.

Summary

Day 3 in Guwahati underlined South Africa’s control as they amassed a dominant first-innings score and then struck at crucial moments in India’s reply. The hosts now face a tall challenge to chase a 314-run deficit and avoid a potential series whitewash. The series outcome hinges on India’s ability to rebuild and resist another costly collapse.

Key insight: South Africa’s bowlers exploited India’s middle-order vulnerabilities to seize control of the match, pushing toward a likely 2-0 series win. Source: BBC Sport

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