Guwahati: Kuldeep Yadav spearheaded India’s disciplined bowling performance with an impressive 3-48 as the hosts held South Africa to 247/6 in 81.5 overs before bad light stopped play on Day One of the second and final Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
South Africa, after opting to bat on a favourable red-soil surface, failed to make the most of the opportunity. Despite several batters getting promising starts, none managed to convert them into a fifty, allowing India to stay firmly in control by stumps. India’s persistence paid off after lunch when Ravindra Jadeja removed Temba Bavuma for 41, ending his 84-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs.
Kuldeep then tightened the grip further, first dismissing Stubbs for 49 with a delivery that bounced a touch extra and was sharply taken by KL Rahul at slip. He later tempted Wiaan Mulder into a mistimed lofted stroke, resulting in a straightforward catch at mid-off. Although Tony de Zorzi and Senuran Muthusamy attempted to rebuild with a handful of boundaries, India struck again at a crucial moment.
Mohammed Siraj, with the second new ball, dismissed de Zorzi off the very first delivery of his spell, courtesy of a brilliant diving catch by captain Rishabh Pant. The late breakthrough ensured India ended the day with momentum firmly on their side.
Brief scores:
South Africa 247/6 in 81.5 overs (Tristan Stubbs 49, Temba Bavuma 41; Kuldeep Yadav 3-48, Ravindra Jadeja 1-30) vs India.
