India vs South Africa 2nd Test Day 2 witnessed a dominating show from South Africa as they posted a strong total of 489 in their first innings. India, in response, reached 9/0 at stumps on Day 2, facing a massive deficit heading into Day 3.
India vs South Africa 2nd Test Day 2 — Match Summary
The Day 2 action at the Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, belonged entirely to the visitors. South Africa’s innings was powered by a magnificent maiden Test hundred from Senuran Muthusamy, who scored 109 in a composed and well-constructed innings. Marco Jansen added crucial support with a brilliant 93, helping South Africa push towards a commanding first-innings score.
Key Partnerships and Batting Highlights
Muthusamy’s century was the backbone of South Africa’s innings. His calm shot selection, judicious defence, and ability to rotate strike kept the scoreboard ticking. Marco Jansen’s 93 off just 91 balls shifted momentum significantly with aggressive strokeplay. Their partnership brought tremendous stability and helped South Africa cross the 450-run mark with ease.
Session-by-Session Breakdown
Day 2 of the India vs South Africa 2nd Test showcased three distinct sessions, each with different phases of momentum. The morning session firmly belonged to South Africa as Muthusamy and Jansen resumed with confidence. India bowled full and straight early on, but the visitors showed excellent discipline, leaving deliveries outside the off stump and punishing anything too full or short. This proactive approach allowed South Africa to build on their overnight total with authority.
The post-lunch session saw India attempt a comeback through Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj, who both tightened their lines and reduced the run flow. Kuldeep’s variations were particularly effective, troubling both set batsmen. However, despite creating pressure, India could not break the partnership until Jansen miscued a lofted shot and fell for 93, just seven runs short of a memorable Test century. His wicket broke a significant stand but South Africa still continued to push toward a commanding total.
The final session brought urgency from India’s bowlers as they wrapped up the South African tail. But even then, the Proteas added crucial runs, stretching their score close to 500. When India came out to bat, facing a massive total, their cautious approach was understandable. The pitch, however, had started offering slight movement under the evening lights, making survival tricky. Jaiswal and Rahul showed excellent judgement, carefully leaving deliveries and avoiding risky shots. Their short but composed stay ensured India did not lose early wickets, something that could have tilted the contest even further.
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Pitch Conditions and Tactical Insights
The pitch at Barsapara Stadium offered moderate assistance to both pacers and spinners. While the first session favoured batsmen who played late and straight, inconsistent bounce from one end created challenging conditions for new batters. South Africa’s pacers extracted seam movement, particularly during the final hour. India's challenge on Day 3 will be to counter this early movement and settle into longer partnerships to avoid any collapse.
From a tactical viewpoint, South Africa executed their game plan with precision: wearing down bowlers, rotating strike, and punishing loose deliveries. India, on the other hand, will need a mix of patience and controlled aggression to cut into the deficit. Their middle order — particularly Kohli, Iyer, and Rahul — will play a decisive role in shaping Day 3’s narrative.
Indian Bowling Efforts and Opening Response
India struggled to find consistent breakthroughs. Kuldeep Yadav bowled with rhythm and managed to pick up timely wickets, but the lack of early control allowed South Africa to dominate the day. After the Proteas were bowled out for 489, India’s openers walked in for a tricky final session. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul negotiated the new ball cautiously, guiding India to 9/0 before bad light ended the day’s play.
Crucial Turning Points
- The century partnership between Senuran Muthusamy and Marco Jansen tilted the match entirely in South Africa’s favour.
- India’s missed opportunities in the middle overs allowed South Africa to build pressure and enlarge the total.
Player Focus: Senuran Muthusamy
Senuran Muthusamy grabbed headlines with his maiden Test hundred — a knock full of maturity and patience. His innings not only boosted South Africa’s score but also showcased his growing significance in the team’s middle order.
What to Expect on Day 3
Day 3 will be crucial for India as they look to rebuild after facing a massive deficit. The top order must show resilience to avoid early setbacks. South Africa, meanwhile, will aim for early wickets to tighten their grip on the match and continue their dominant run.
Match Summary
- South Africa 1st Innings: 489 all out
- Senuran Muthusamy: 109 (Maiden Test Century)
- Marco Jansen: 93
- India 1st Innings: 9/0 at stumps on Day 2
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports and live cricket updates. Match situations may change; refer to official broadcasters for the latest information.
Sources:
Hindustan Times – Cricket
NDTV Sports
Indian Express – Cricket
Author: Team RA News