On a day where scoring opportunities were present but ultimately squandered, South Africa ended the first day of the second Test against India in Guwahati at 247/6. The Indian team, led by Rishabh Pant, managed to peg back the visitors with four wickets in the final session, seizing a slight but important advantage. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer with the ball, taking three wickets, as the Indian attack found its groove.
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium pitch offered a fair contest. After the initial moisture aided the fast bowlers, it became more conducive for batting. However, the Indian spinners, particularly Yadav, found enough turn to trouble the batsmen. South Africa’s batting display was characterized by starts that failed to mature. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton laid a decent foundation with an 82-run opening stand, but neither could reach fifty. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with wickets. The key wickets in the final session, including two from Yadav and one from Siraj with the new ball, proved detrimental to South Africa’s scoring potential, leaving India with the momentum heading into day two.