Guwahati, Nov 22 (UNI) At lunch on Day 1 of the second Test between India and South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the Proteas were 156 for 2 in 55 overs.
South Africa had won the toss and elected to bat.
At tea (first break), the visitors were 82 for 1 in 26.5 overs, with Ryan Rickelton unbeaten on 35 and Aiden Markram having been dismissed for 38 by Jasprit Bumrah just before the interval. Extras contributed nine runs, including eight byes and one leg-bye. The scoring rate was a modest 3.06 runs per over.
The post-lunch session saw South Africa accelerate steadily. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja leaked a few boundaries, with tristsn Stubbs and Temba Bavuma punishing wayward deliveries. Stubbs brought up the first boundary of the session off Jadeja, lofting it over wide mid-on.
Soon after, Kuldeep Yadav was hit for a six by Stubbs, who advanced down the pitch and cleared long-on with ease. Bavuma also found the fence on multiple occasions, including back-to-back fours off deliveries from Siraj and Jadeja.
India had a chance for a breakthrough at 44.5 overs when a review was lost; Bavuma had been struck on the pads attempting a sweep shot, but the ball was sliding down the leg-side and India’s appeal was turned down.
Despite this, India struck twice in quick succession when Kuldeep Yadav removed Rickelton for 35, caught by Rishabh Pant, with a beautifully flighted legbreak that induced a mistimed drive. This brought the score to 156 for 2 at lunch, with Stubbs unbeaten on 32 and Bavuma on 36.
The innings has so far been a mix of steady batting and disciplined bowling. Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian attack with early breakthroughs, supported by Siraj, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav, maintaining tight lines and controlling the scoring.
The contest remains keenly fought as South Africa looks to consolidate their first-innings total in Guwahati.
South Africa 156/2 at Lunch in Guwahati
