IND vs SA 2nd Test, Day 1 Highlights: South Africa 247/6 at Stumps. At the end of Day 1 of the second Test, South Africa rested at 247 for 6, as India came back strongly in the last session at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, the hosts looked better placed at the start of play given the pitch offered decent bounce, but vital wickets for India ensured that the first day remained finely balanced leading to Day 2.
Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton provided South Africa with a solid start, adding 82 runs for the first wicket. Markram scored a pleasant 38, while Rickelton formed a composed 35. Once the first wicket fell, India tightened their grip gradually.
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Captain Temba Bavuma led from the front and produced a gritty 41, which included him reaching the milestone of 1,000 Test runs as a captain. He steadied the innings during a period that became tricky before falling against the run of play. Tristan Stubbs moved the score along impressively, scoring 49 and counter-attacking when needed, moving South Africa past the 200-run milestone.
India’s comeback was led by Kuldeep Yadav
Largely due to Kuldeep Yadav’s masterclass in wrist spin bowling, India had a good day. He bowled an exceptional spell and ended the day with figures of 3 for 48, breaking key partnerships at important times and slowing South Africa’s momentum. Mohammed Siraj and the other bowlers were also solid, and Siraj took the wicket of Tony de Zorzi for 28 late in the day, swinging the momentum further in India’s favour.
India made two changes before the Test match, giving opportunities to Nitish Kumar Reddy and B Sai Sudharsan to revive their series after losing the first Test. South Africa made only one change to their match squad, bringing in Senuran Muthusamy to boost their spin options.
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With four wickets in hand, South Africa will be looking to push past 300 on Day 2, while India will be hoping for early breakthroughs to claim and control the game. The pitch provided enough assistance for both batters and bowlers alike—an interesting battle is brewing as the Test unfolds. The match remains close, and both teams will be looking forward to another competitive day of cricket in Guwahati.