South Africa’s stranglehold on the second Test in Guwahati strengthened considerably on Day 4, as India were reduced to 27 for 2 at stumps in pursuit of an improbable target of 549 runs. With only eight wickets in hand and the pitch showing increasing turn and variable bounce, the hosts face a monumental task on the final day against a relentless South African bowling attack.
Resilient South African Batting Sets up Mammoth Lead
Resuming their second innings with a healthy lead, South Africa’s middle order showed composure and grit. Tristan Stubbs stood out with a patient 94, steering the visitors to a strong total. Useful contributions from Rickelton, de Zorzi, and Mulder helped push the score to 260/5 declared, giving their bowlers more than enough runs to work with.
India’s Batting Woes Continue
Chasing a huge fourth-innings target, India’s hopes were quickly dented by the early loss of openers. Yashasvi Jaiswal looked aggressive but fell for 13, once again dismissed by Marco Jansen—his third such dismissal by the left-arm quick in Tests. KL Rahul, tasked with anchoring the innings, was trapped by Simon Harmer for just 6 off 29 balls.
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At stumps, Kuldeep Yadav and Sai Sudharsan were at the crease, but the team had managed a mere 27 runs in nearly 16 overs. The required run rate and scoreboard pressure, combined with the quality of South Africa’s spinners—Harmer and Maharaj—makes India’s path to either survival or a miracle win extremely daunting.
Spinners and Scoreboard Pressure Build Challenge for India
Facing a world-class spin duo on a wearing surface, the Indian lower and middle order will need unprecedented resilience to escape defeat. South Africa’s bowlers maintained exceptional control, conceding runs at just 1.7 per over and not allowing either Indian batter easy scoring opportunities. The field placements were aggressive, and the bowlers exploited any sign of uncertainty.
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Stubbs Shines, India Face Uphill Task
Earlier in the day, Stubbs’ knock ensured South Africa’s declaration came from a position of overwhelming strength. The declaration left India a psychological blow and little time to regroup before facing the new ball under fading light.
Key Stats at Stumps Day 4
- South Africa: 489 & 260/5d
- India: 201 & 27/2 (15.5 ov); need 522 runs to win, 8 wickets in hand
- Top scorer: Tristan Stubbs, Rickelton, de Zorzi
- Indian wickets to fall: Jaiswal, Rahul
- Spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj apply the squeeze (combined 6.5-1-7-1)
Day 5: A Battle of Survival for India
As Day 5 looms, India’s best hope is to dig deep and try to bat out the day for a draw, but all signs suggest South Africa are on course for a dominant overseas win. The pitch, scoreboard pressure, and South Africa’s disciplined approach look set to bring them a memorable Test victory in Guwahati.