Guwahati, Nov 24 (UNI) South Africa continued to dominate proceedings on Day 3 of the second Test as India reached 174 for 7 at lunch, still facing a steep battle after the visitors’ formidable first-innings 489 at the Barsapara Stadium.
India, resuming from their overnight 9 for 0, raised 50 in 18.5 overs before the opening stand was broken. KL Rahul’s 22 ended when Keshav Maharaj induced an edge to Aiden Markram, and the wicket initiated a slide against South Africa’s spinners.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, fluent and assured, completed his half-century off 85 balls with six boundaries and a six, drawing loud applause from the Guwahati spectators. But Sinon Harmer’s grip and turn accounted for him on 58, offering a low edge to Marco Jansen at short third.
Sai Sudharsan briefly looked comfortable before a sharp mid-wicket catch by Ryan Rickelton sent him back for 15. Dhruv Jurel then departed for a duck, miscuing a pull off Jansen to Maharaj, completing a burst of wickets that left India hamstrung early.
India were 102 for 4 at tea, with Rishabh Pant on 6 and Ravindra Jadeja yet to score. Soon after the break, Pant attempted a risky charge and miscued a slog off Jansen, edging to Kyle Verreynne for 7. The on-field decision was upheld after India’s review was struck down, and at 105 for 5, the innings worsened rapidly.
Nitish Reddy’s brief resistance ended on 10 when Markram plucked a stunning one-handed catch at second slip off another steep Jansen lifter. Jadeja followed soon after, given out caught behind for 6 after South Africa successfully reviewed Tucker’s not-out call; replays confirmed a deflection off bat and shoulder.
Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav then staged a much-needed eighth-wicket revival. Washington counter-attacked with a clean six down the ground off Harmer and a crisp boundary off Jansen, while Kuldeep displayed commendable application, striking three fours — including a late cut, a thick outside edge past slip, and leg-byes that nutmegged the keeper.
India reached 141 for 7 at drinks in 50 overs, with Washington on 17 and Kuldeep on 1. The pair added a battling 50-run stand in 138 balls, helping India touch 150 in 56.3 overs.
By lunch, India had moved to 174 for 7 in 67 overs, with Washington steady on 33 and Kuldeep showing resilience on 14. South Africa, however, retained firm control, aided by incisive spells from Jansen, who repeatedly extracted surprising lift from a surface that had begun to slow.
With India still far behind South Africa’s imposing first-innings total and just three wickets remaining, the hosts face an uphill climb to stay competitive in this Test.
