Guwahati, Nov 24 (NationPress) The buzz leading into the third day of the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium revolved around whether India could score swiftly to regain momentum in a match they must win to equalize the series. However, as bad light curtailed play early, South Africa asserted their dominance, bowling India out for 201 and reaching 26/0 in just eight overs, increasing their lead to 314 runs.

Openers Ryan Rickelton (13) and Aiden Markram (12) were at the crease when the day concluded prematurely due to light issues.

The lanky left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen delivered a stunning performance, taking 6-48 and dismissing India for 201 in response to South Africa's 489. This marked Jansen's fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket and capped off an impressive all-around display following his 93 in the first innings. His aggressive short-ball tactics dismantled India's middle order, leaving them reeling at 122/7. Jansen also became only the third left-arm fast bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in India, following in the footsteps of Zaheer Khan and Mitchell Johnson. Despite the pitch offering little assistance, Jansen's varied lengths and consistent line proved pivotal.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was India's top scorer with 58, while Washington Sundar (48) and Kuldeep Yadav (19) provided some resistance with a valiant 72-run partnership off 208 balls. Off-spinner Simon Harmer eventually broke Sundar's stand. Jansen returned with the second new ball to dismiss Kuldeep and Jasprit Bumrah, bowling India out just after surpassing the 200-run mark.

With a 1-0 series lead, the current World Test Championship (WTC) holders, South Africa, are on the brink of securing their first series victory in India since 2000. Meanwhile, India faces increasing pressure, aiming to avoid a second consecutive home series loss in two years and needing a remarkable comeback to level the series.

In the morning session, resuming at 9/0 in 6.1 overs, Jaiswal and KL Rahul started cautiously, skillfully navigating the spin threat. The pair combined for four boundaries against Jansen and Wiaan Mulder until South Africa introduced their spinners.

As the spinners began to turn the ball, Rahul attempted to use his feet, while Jaiswal looked to sweep, scoring boundaries off Keshav Maharaj and Harmer. At the first drinks break, Rahul's struggle against spin led to his downfall when he edged a slower ball from Maharaj to first slip, departing for 22.

Back at No. 3, B. Sai Sudharsan looked promising with two cover drives to the boundary. Jaiswal, meanwhile, continued to attack and notched his 13th Test fifty – the first half-century by an Indian in this series.

However, Jaiswal's innings was curtailed when he edged a late dab off Harmer, caught by short third-man. Sudharsan's aggressive style led to his dismissal too, pulling a short ball from Harmer to mid-wicket, falling for 15.

India's challenges intensified just before the tea break when Dhruv Jurel attempted to pull a ball from outside off-stump, resulting in a diving catch that saw him dismissed for a duck.

Post-tea, India's hopes dwindled further when Rishabh Pant, seen as a potential game-changer, fell for only 7. His aggressive approach backfired as he edged a wild slog off Jansen.

Jansen's height helped him extract steep bounce that led to Nitish Kumar Reddy being caught for 10. Sundar, India's top scorer in Kolkata, faced Jansen's relentless short deliveries, one of which deflected off Ravindra Jadeja's shoulder to second slip for a dismissal of 6.

Sundar eventually found his rhythm, scoring boundaries off Jansen and Harmer, while Kuldeep supported him. They frustrated South Africa with a solid defense, showcasing that the pitch wasn't as treacherous as perceived. As the ball aged, batting became easier until lunch.

In the final session, Sundar and Kuldeep added crucial runs against Harmer and Markram. Even with the introduction of centurion Senuran Muthusamy, South Africa found no success.

Before the second new ball, Harmer struck a critical blow, deceiving Sundar, who edged to first slip for 46. Jansen then secured his five-wicket haul in the first over of the new ball, dismissing Kuldeep, who edged a steep delivery to second slip.

India's innings concluded dramatically when Bumrah fell to a vicious bouncer from Jansen, caught by the keeper, marking Jansen's six-wicket haul and completing an outstanding all-round display by a visiting player in India.

After deciding against enforcing the follow-on, South Africa began their second innings strongly, with Rickelton and Markram finding boundaries off Bumrah and Siraj.

As the day ended, South Africa positioned themselves strongly for victory, while India faced the grim prospect of their second home series defeat in two years.

Brief scores:

South Africa 489 and 26/0 in 8 overs (Ryan Rickelton 13 not out, Aiden Markram 12 not out) lead India 201 all out in 83.5 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, Washington Sundar 48; Marco Jansen 6-48, Simon Harmer 3-64) by 314 runs