South Africa Nears Historic Test Series Win in India

GUWAHATI, India — South Africa is on the brink of its first Test series win in India in 25 years after reducing the hosts to 27-2 in pursuit of 549 runs on day four of the second Test on Monday.

India, who were bowled out for just 201 in their first innings, now need 522 runs to avoid a second home whitewash in three Test series. Previously, India hadn’t lost a home series for 12 years.

South Africa, leading 1-0 after their win in Kolkata, resumed the day with 26-0, but faced early trouble losing three wickets for just 18 runs, dwindling to 77-3. Tristan Stubbs then stabilized the innings, scoring 94 and forming partnerships that pushed their second innings lead beyond 500 runs.

Stubbs missed a century when he was finally bowled by Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed 4-62 in the innings. This prompted the visitors to declare at 260-5, leaving India chasing an almost impossible target.

The Indian response was shaky, as Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught behind off Marco Jansen, and KL Rahul was bowled by Simon Harmer, leaving India at 27-2 at stumps.

Earlier, India’s first innings saw a complete struggle, with only Jaiswal (58) and Washington Sundar (48) showing resilience against a disciplined South African bowling attack. Marco Jansen was particularly effective, taking six wickets for 48 runs.

“There’s quite a few ways you can play the game, and it’s up to the individuals on what their plans are,” Sundar commented after the innings. He noted the pitch conditions favored batting but acknowledged their struggles.

As South Africa closed out the day with a significant lead and India facing the possibility of back-to-back home defeats, the pressure is mounting on the Indian batting lineup to perform.

With two days left in the match, India will need a monumental effort to keep their chances of victory alive against a dominant South African side.