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South Africa closed Day 1 of the 2nd Test in Guwahati at 247/6, battling through a challenging spell from India’s potent bowling attack. After choosing to bat first, the Proteas faced a strong spin contingent led by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, while Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah provided disciplined pace support.
Despite losing key wickets at regular intervals, South Africa managed to build partnerships and weather the storm. The day saw a mix of solid defensive play and aggressive counterattacks, but as the day concluded, India had gained a firm grip with the hosts hoping to capitalize on their spinners on Day 2. The last-batting pair of Senuran Muthusamy (25*) and Kyle Verreynne (1*) survived the final stages, ensuring that South Africa would have a platform to build on as they aim to reach a competitive total in the coming sessions.
South Africa’s top order gets off to a solid start
South Africa’s top order gave the visitors a promising start, with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton providing stability and ensuring no early collapse. Markram, known for his ability to bat long, looked in good touch, playing 81 balls for his 38 runs, while Rickelton, in a bid to secure his place, faced 82 balls for his 35 runs. The opening pair put on 82 runs before the first wicket fell, with both batters playing cautiously but ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking. Markram played some delightful drives, while Rickelton defended resolutely, with the duo building a solid foundation for the middle order. This partnership was essential for South Africa, as they knew that losing early wickets would make it difficult to recover on a pitch that could offer plenty of assistance to the spinners as the match progressed.
Kuldeep Yadav strikes again as South Africa lose key wickets
The pivotal moment came when Kuldeep Yadav, India’s leading spinner, turned the match in his team’s favour with a brilliant spell that saw him claim three key wickets. The first to fall was Rickelton, whose promising innings ended when he was caught behind by Rishabh Pant off Kuldeep’s flighted delivery. The left-arm spinner then struck again to dismiss Tristan Stubbs, who had looked solid in his knock of 49.
Stubbs’ dismissal brought South Africa’s progress to a halt just as the partnership with Bavuma was flourishing. The fall of key players left the middle order under pressure, and the vital scalp of Bavuma, caught at slip off Jadeja, proved to be a turning point. At 166/3, the Proteas were in a strong position, but the relentless pressure from India’s spinners left them reeling. Kuldeep’s control and ability to generate sharp turn made it increasingly difficult for the South African batters to settle.
Also WATCH: IND vs SA: Jasprit Bumrah dismantles Aiden Markram’s stumps with a peach on Day 1 of the Guwahati Test
Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs fight back amidst the spin barrage
Despite the early breakthroughs, Temba Bavuma and Stubbs provided a much-needed counterattack. Bavuma, with his composed approach, anchored the innings and ensured that the Proteas did not collapse under pressure. His 41 runs came off 92 balls, and while he was not looking for quick runs, his solid defense and occasional aggressive strokes kept the scoreboard ticking.
Stubbs, known for his attacking style, matched Bavuma with some positive stroke play, striking 49 runs off 112 balls, including two sixes. Their partnership was a breath of fresh air, as they built a 85-run stand for the third wicket. Stubbs looked set to carry on, but the pressure from India’s spinners mounted, and when Bavuma fell to Jadeja, it was a clear sign that India’s spinners were asserting dominance. Stubbs’ dismissal soon after meant that South Africa had lost two crucial wickets in quick succession, making it difficult to push on and assert themselves in the match.
IND vs SA: Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne hold the fort as India tightens the grip
As the day came to a close, the lower-order partnership between Muthusamy and Verreynne became pivotal in ensuring that South Africa did not lose further ground. Muthusamy played a patient knock, facing 45 balls for his 25* and providing crucial resistance as he weathered the final stages of the day. Verreynne, though facing limited deliveries, was able to hold the fort and keep the scoreboard ticking.
The Proteas were able to recover from the collapse, ensuring that they finished the day at a respectable 247/6. While the partnership between Muthusamy and Verreynne provided some stability, South Africa will still be concerned about the position they find themselves in. With the new ball available at the start of Day 2, India will be eager to break through the remaining wickets and take control of the game. However, if Muthusamy can hold his ground in the morning session, he could provide the Proteas with a valuable contribution to reach a competitive total.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Nice little come back from team India after SA lost only 2 wickets when they were on 160. Kuldeep Yadav was brilliant.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
All the batters getting set and no one making it anything substantial is frustrating
— Werner (@Werries_)
Tristan Stubbs at 3 Where he belongs gone for 49 well played the ball was wide even if he left it alone it would have not troubled him hard luck entire top four batsmen had a good start but none of them crossed fifty
— Christopher (@Christo79744616)
Tristan Stubbs at 3 Where he belongs gone for 49 well played the ball was wide even if he left it alone it would have not troubled him hard luck entire top four batsmen had a good start but none of them crossed fifty
— Christopher (@Christo79744616)
Why is it always that Umpires decide it is enough and call Stumps after a wicket has fallen in the over? You feel for Zorzi, a few balls, and he would still be batting tomorrow.
— Gaurav Jindal (@gj100596)
India vs South Africa and the vibes are spicy.
Both teams swinging, both teams stumbling, and the match is one good spell away from flipping again.
Peak chaos cricket just how we like it. 🔥🇮🇳🇿🇦— Anand Shukla | Cricket | Politics (@unsubtledesilad)
SA end Day 1 on 247-6 with TdZ getting himself out in the last over for 28
SA's shot selection today has been disappointing
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA)
Senuran can bat bro!! Proper 👌
— Lawrence Bailey 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0)
Stubbs goes down the track to 10.6% of the deliveries against spinners in Test. Out of the 41 SA batters with more than 150 balls of spin Only AB de Villiers has did that more 11%
(Cricbuzz)— RCB Xtra (@Rcb_Xtra)
🏏 Day 1 Stumps – South Africa 247/6 🏏
Tristan Stubbs on 49*, while Kuldeep Yadav takes 3/48.
South Africa in a solid position at stumps on Day 1 in Guwahati! 🇿🇦💥
Scoreline:
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
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