IND vs SA 1st Test, Day 2 Highlights: Indian Bowlers Dominate at Eden Gardens. The second day of the first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens played out in an exciting, gripping contest heavily weighted in favour of the bowlers, with the pitch exhibiting sharp turn and variable bounce, resulting in 15 wickets falling in a single day and India finishing the day in solid control of the Test match.
India began their first innings in a precarious position, ultimately finishing with a total of 189 all out in 62.3 overs, with key contributions from KL Rahul (42), Shreyas Iyer (36), and Ravindra Jadeja (28) as India posted four partnerships above 25 with none above 50 that showcased the difficult nature of the pitch. South Africa’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Ngidi earning 3 for 47 and Rabada taking 2 for 39.
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South Africa Crumble in Second Innings
Following a 30-run first-innings lead, India’s bowlers came roaring out once again. South Africa began their second innings slowly before ultimately collapsing dramatically and falling to 93 for 7 in just 35 overs, losing 7 wickets for 52 runs as India turned to the spin attack in their relentless charge.
Ravindra Jadeja was the star of the match, grabbing fantastic numbers of 4 for 29, and he bowled 7 maidens out of 13 overs. He took the wickets of Aiden Markram and David Bedingham, who were the key batters who broke South Africa’s backbone. Kuldeep Yadav supported well with 2 for 25, and Jasprit Bumrah came into the mix with an early wicket.
For South Africa, Temba Bavuma hung around for a fighting 29 off 68 balls*, but fell over with partners. Their top order collapsed, as there was only one other batter, Keegan Petersen (18), who passed 20 apart from Bavuma.
India had a concerning moment when captain Shubman Gill retired hurt after scoring 4 off 3 balls with a neck spasm, and he did not back to the pitch.
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Going into Day 3, India are the favourites. If they bring down the South African innings quickly, India could be chasing a small target on a pitch that is turning more and more with every hour. South Africa needs a miracle from their tail to remain in the contest.