The India vs South Africa 1st Day score in the 2nd Test Match at Guwahati delivered a gripping contest as India staged a strong comeback in the final session. South Africa, after a confident start with multiple players getting solid starts, finished Day 1 at 247/6. The pitch offered early stability for batters but began assisting spin and seam in the final hours, shifting the momentum toward India. As the 2nd Test Match continues, the contest is finely poised with both sides eyeing control on Day 2.
India vs South Africa 1st Day Score: A Dramatic Shift in Momentum
South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first, capitalizing on a bright morning in Guwahati. Their openers showed excellent discipline, frustrating the Indian bowlers with solid technique and smart shot selection. However, India responded brilliantly in the final session, taking four wickets and tightening their grip on the game.
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South Africa’s Solid Start in the 2nd Test Match
The Proteas began the innings with confidence. Openers set a strong foundation with an 82-run stand, playing calmly against the Indian new-ball attack. The surface initially offered little lateral movement, helping the batters settle. South Africa’s top order maintained steady momentum, with the first four batters crossing 35 runs each—a rare and interesting statistical highlight.
However, the inability to convert starts into big scores proved costly. While they appeared well placed at 166/2 at one stage, the middle-order collapse later in the day prevented them from posting a dominant total.
Kuldeep Yadav Turns the Match Around
Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the standout bowler for India on Day 1. His subtle variations, flight, and sharp turn troubled the South African middle order, resulting in three key wickets. His spell shifted the game’s momentum, slowing South Africa’s scoring rate and breaking crucial partnerships. Kuldeep’s control over length and drift was particularly notable as the pitch began offering more assistance.
India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, also contributed with tight lines and disciplined spells, ensuring South Africa could not accelerate in the final session. The combined pressure helped restrict the visitors from reaching the 300-run mark by stumps.
A Rare Statistical Pattern in South Africa’s Innings
One of the more unusual highlights from the India vs South Africa 1st Day score was South Africa’s top order producing four scores above 35 but none crossing 50. According to media reports, this uncommon pattern has been rarely seen in modern Test cricket. It reflected both the consistency of their starts and the failures to capitalize.
The Proteas were well-placed multiple times during the day, yet India’s disciplined bowling ensured that no partnership took the game away completely. The third-wicket partnership of 84 runs offered stability, but wickets at crucial intervals prevented them from dominating.
Match Situation at Stumps
By the end of Day 1, South Africa reached 247/6 in 81.5 overs. While this total gives them a competitive foundation, India’s late breakthroughs kept the match open. With the pitch expected to deteriorate slightly as the game progresses, batting may get more challenging for both teams.
India’s Strategy Going Into Day 2
India will aim to wrap up the remaining South African wickets cheaply on the morning of Day 2. With the ball still relatively new from the final session, bowlers like Bumrah and Siraj will be key in exploiting early-morning movement.
For India’s batting unit, a strong first-innings response will be crucial. The openers will need to survive the early spell from South Africa’s pace attack, especially if conditions remain conducive to fast bowling.
What South Africa Needs to Do
South Africa’s lower order must add at least 40–50 more runs to push their total toward a competitive score. Their bowlers, particularly the pacers, will benefit from the morning conditions on Day 2. Maintaining discipline in length and targeting the stumps will be essential.
Pitch Report and Daylight Adjustment
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium offered an interesting twist to the match schedule. Due to local daylight limitations, tea was taken before lunch—a break in a 148-year-old Test cricket tradition. The pitch played true for most of the day but began assisting spinners in the later session. Batters will need to adjust as the match progresses.
What to Expect Next
With the India vs South Africa 1st Day score indicating a balanced contest, both teams remain strong contenders as Day 2 approaches. A lot depends on the first hour of play—whether India can dismiss the South African tail quickly or South Africa can stretch the total beyond India’s comfort zone.
Conclusion
Day 1 of the 2nd Test Match was a roller coaster, offering shifts in momentum, disciplined bowling, and valuable partnerships. India’s late comeback ensured that they remain very much in the contest. South Africa, though well-placed early, will regret not converting starts into substantial innings. Day 2 promises another exciting chapter in this evolving Test match.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available sports reports and live updates from reputable news agencies. All match information is accurate as per the latest published sources at the time of writing.
Source
Information compiled from:
Reuters – India vs South Africa 2nd Test Day 1 Report
Author: Team RA News