Guwahati, Nov 25 (UNI) South Africa tightened their command of the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium by pushing their overall lead to a towering 503 runs on Day Four, reaching 220 for 4 at lunch after another disciplined batting display left India straining for breakthroughs.
The visitors had advanced to 107 for 3 at tea, with Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi holding firm. They continued their steady accumulation after the interval, adding a composed half-century partnership in 90 balls. India reviewed an lbw appeal against Stubbs when Kuldeep Yadav found sharp turn at 53.1 overs, but replays showed the delivery missing the stumps, and the decision remained not out.
De Zorzi’s progress ended at 49 when he attempted a sweep against Jadeja. Umpire Richard Kettleborough ruled him lbw, and the review confirmed the ball would hit off stump. Until then, he had looked comfortable, striking Jadeja and Kuldeep for boundaries, including a towering six earlier in the morning.
Stubbs, increasingly assured, reached his half-century off 129 balls, opening up the field with reverse sweeps, cuts and drives that kept India’s spinners under pressure. W
Wian Mulder then joined in with a brisk flow of boundaries through both sides of the wicket. His back-foot punches, glances and a fluent off-drive against Jadeja helped South Africa maintain momentum on a surface offering turn but not enough bite to trouble settled batters.
South Africa crossed 150 shortly after de Zorzi’s dismissal and then moved past 200 in the 66th over. By lunch, they had progressed to 220 for 4 in 70 overs, with Stubbs unbeaten on 60 and Mulder on 29. Mulder later cut Jaiswal through point to push the lead past 500, signalling the Proteas’ overwhelming control.
India’s bowlers worked tirelessly but found little reward. Jadeja’s two wickets and Sundar’s earlier scalp gave India moments of hope, yet South Africa’s measured batting and the deteriorating but slow Guwahati pitch kept the visitors firmly ahead.
With the lead crossing 500, a declaration is expected soon, leaving India facing an enormous challenge in the final innings.
SA lead swells to 503, Stubbs & Mulder grind India
