Day 1: Kuldeep Shines as India Peg Back Proteas at 247/6 in Guwahati
Guwahati, Nov 21 – Team India’s bowlers staged a spirited fightback in the final session of Day 1 to restrict South Africa to 247/6 at stumps in the 2nd Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Temba Bavuma’s South Africa rode on two robust 80+ run partnerships but stumbled post-tea as the hosts picked up four wickets in the last session to wrest back control.
Early Dominance for South Africa
South African openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton provided a steady start, seeing off the new ball and frustrating India’s bowlers in the morning. Markram (38) and Rickelton (35) added a half-century stand before Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Markram just before tea, breaking the opening partnership and giving India a much-needed breakthrough.
Stubbs-Bavuma Partnership Drives Momentum
Temba Bavuma and young Tristan Stubbs pressed on in the afternoon session, blunting India’s spin attack and pushing the visitors past the 100 and 150-run marks. Their diligent partnership kept the scoreboard ticking even as the pitch started offering turn.
Indian Bowlers Spark Evening Comeback
The tide turned after tea as Kuldeep Yadav struck twice in quick succession, sending back Stubbs and Rickelton, while Ravindra Jadeja and Bumrah maintained relentless pressure. Kuldeep finished the day with impressive figures, bagging three wickets and stalling South Africa’s charge. The Proteas’ scoring rate slowed as wickets tumbled in fading light, leaving them at 247/6 at close, with India holding the momentum heading into Day 2.
Key Talking Points and Changes
Captain Rishabh Pant led the Indian side after Shubman Gill was ruled out with a neck injury. India made tactical adjustments, with N. Tilak Varma and Sai Sudharsan entering the lineup to shore up the batting.
Experts have highlighted the strategic shift from the previous Test, moving away from four spinners to a more balanced attack, reflecting learnings from South Africa’s decisive series-opening win with just two frontline spinners.
What to Expect on Day 2
With South Africa’s lower order exposed and India’s bowlers in rhythm, the Team India will look to wrap up the innings early and stake their claim in the crucial second Test of the series. All eyes will be on how India’s top order responds, as the first-innings batting will set the tone for the match and potentially the series outcome.
