South Africa is now in a strong position after it tightened its grip on the second test on Day 4 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. With 260 for 5, the Proteas proclaimed their second innings and created a massive target of 549 runs. India’s quest started under pressure; by stumps, the scoreboard read 27 for 2, a reminder of the steep climb ahead.
Tristan Stubbs created a composed 94 before falling just short of a maiden Test century, therefore helping to define South Africa’s dominant position. Adding 49, Tony de Zorzi helped build a total that put India under pressure from the start of the first session. Having already scored 489 in their first innings, South Africa completely dominated India on Day 3 of the Test match.
India’s answer started to break early when pacer Marco Jansen removed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 13 with a rising delivery. Following Spinner Simon Harmer, KL Rahul was trapped for 6, therefore strengthening South Africa’s hold and causing doubts about India’s capacity to handle the bumpy terrain.
India seemed to turn toward damage control with 522 runs remaining and the pitch giving unpredictable bounce and turn. Though the magnitude of the pursuit meant that every over carried great weight, Kuldeep Yadav, in his capacity as nightwatchman and Sai Sudharsan bore the duty of stabilising the innings.
India’s previous first-innings score of 201 worsened the situation and put India to face one of the most difficult home challenges in recent years. Combining measured speed with inquisitive spin, South Africa’s bowlers guaranteed India’s top order almost little breathing space.
South Africa is within reach of sealing the series and the match as it draws into Day 5. India has to weigh whether to settle for survival or go for an unlikely scoring surge. Both possibilities call for composure, patience, and uncompromising attention as the last few hours pass.
