Guwahati, Nov 24 (NationPress) The discussions leading into the third day of the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium revolved around whether India could accelerate their scoring to recover in a match they desperately need to win to level the series. However, as bad light prompted an early conclusion to the day, South Africa established a dominant position, reaching 26/0 in just eight overs, thereby extending their lead over India to 314 runs.

Openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram ended the day not out at 13 and 12 respectively, ensuring South Africa did not suffer any early dismissals before play was halted. The groundwork for South Africa's commanding day was laid by left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen, whose incredible six-wicket haul dismantled the Indian batting order for a mere 201, giving the visitors a substantial 288-run lead.

Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer also contributed to the wicket tally, but it was Jansen's short-ball strategy that crippled India's batting lineup, with the hosts in disarray at 121/7 after being in a more favorable position at 95/1. India’s lower order briefly held firm, with Washington Sundar (48 off 92) and Kuldeep Yadav (19 off 134) putting together a 72-run partnership.

However, Harmer's dismissal of Sundar and the arrival of the second new ball allowed Jansen to finish off a disappointing Indian innings. With two days still to play, the Proteas are poised to push for quick runs on day four, aiming to bat India out of the contest and secure a decisive victory while also chasing valuable World Test Championship points.

After South Africa opted not to enforce the follow-on and instead bat again, Rickelton immediately made an impact by driving Jasprit Bumrah through cover, while Markram found the edge to the right of second slip for another boundary in the opening over. As Markram struck Mohammed Siraj with a shot through extra cover, India attempted to shift the momentum with Bumrah changing his angle and bowling overs from Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.

By the close of play, South Africa positioned themselves strongly for victory and the series win, while India faced the grim possibility of losing their second consecutive home series within two years.

Previously, Jansen's all-around performance, scoring 93 with the bat and taking six wickets with the ball, set South Africa on course for a significant win. He became the third left-arm fast bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul in India, following Zaheer Khan and Mitchell Johnson. On a pitch offering minimal assistance, Jansen's consistent line and varying lengths proved critical.

With two left-handers at the crease and the new ball still a few overs away, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep began the final session by accumulating valuable runs against the off-spin duo of Harmer and Markram. Sundar showed solid defense, while Kuldeep exhibited remarkable patience, prompting South Africa to introduce centurion Senuran Muthusamy into the attack, albeit without any success.

Just prior to the new ball being taken, Harmer created a pivotal moment by deceiving Sundar with a fuller delivery that dipped. Sundar, pushing hard, edged to first slip, departing for 46.

Jansen then secured his five-wicket haul with his very first over of the new ball. Kuldeep, having declined a single to protect Bumrah, was caught out by a steep bounce, edging to second slip, allowing Markram to claim his fifth catch of the innings.

The conclusion of India’s innings was dramatic, with Bumrah falling victim to a sharp bouncer from Jansen, leaving the wicketkeeper to claim the catch, thus providing Jansen with his six-wicket haul and marking one of the finest all-around performances by a visiting player in Tests on Indian soil.

Brief Scores: South Africa 489 and 26/0 in eight overs (Ryan Rickelton 13 not out, Aiden Markram 12 not out) leads India 201 in 83.5 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, Washington Sundar 48; Marco Jansen 6-48, Simon Harmer 3-64) by 314 runs.