Is South Africa on the brink of victory in the 2nd Test?
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Synopsis
As the second Test unfolds in Guwahati, South Africa's off-spinner Simon Harmer wreaks havoc on India's batting lineup, leaving them vulnerable at 90/5. With only five wickets needed for victory, can India mount a miraculous comeback? Discover the critical moments of the match so far.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa leads the match significantly with a strong position.
- Simon Harmer's bowling has been instrumental in India’s struggles.
- Ravindra Jadeja remains a key player for India in their fightback.
- India's batting order is under immense pressure as they seek to save the match.
- A historic series sweep is on the line for South Africa.
Guwahati, Nov 26 (NationPress) South Africa has solidified their position to clinch the second Test as off-spinner Simon Harmer claimed three wickets, leaving India struggling at 90/5 in 47 overs during the tea break on day five at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
In pursuit of a remarkable 2-0 series sweep, South Africa captured three wickets in this session and now requires just five more for victory, with two sessions still to play. B Sai Sudharsan has faced 138 deliveries for a mere 14 runs, engaging in a rigorous blockathon.
Ravindra Jadeja (23 not out) has made some contributions in an attempt to fight back against the Proteas, yet India's chances of salvaging the match appear slim. Nevertheless, this session was dominated by South Africa and Harmer, who showcased a brilliant display of flight, deception, and subtle variations, establishing himself as the leading wicket-taker of the series.
Earlier in the day, Sudharsan was dismissed by Marco Jansen but narrowly escaped dismissal when replays indicated the fast bowler had overstepped. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav had a close call when Aiden Markram dropped his catch at first slip.
Kuldeep's stint as nightwatchman came to an end at five when Harmer's straighter delivery penetrated the gate to hit the middle stump. Just three balls later, Harmer struck again when Dhruv Jurel attempted a defense, only to edge it to slip for two.
Rishabh Pant briefly energized the hosts with his aggressive play, smashing Keshav Maharaj for four before dancing down the pitch to hit him for a towering six. However, while trying to defend a slower ball from Harmer, Pant was dismissed for 13 when the extra bounce took the edge of his bat and was caught at slip.
Harmer could have bagged his fourth wicket had Markram not dropped a challenging catch off Sudharsan, who became the third Indian batter to face over a hundred balls in this series, as yet another South African-dominated session came to a close.
Brief Scores: South Africa 489 and 260/5d in 78.3 overs (Tristan Stubbs 94; Ravindra Jadeja 4/62) lead India 201 and 90/5 in 47 overs (Ravindra Jadeja 23 not out, B Sai Sudharsan 14 not out; Simon Harmer 4-23, Marco Jansen 1-16) by 459 runs
Point of View
The unfolding events in this Test match highlight South Africa's dominance, particularly through Simon Harmer’s exceptional bowling. While India faces significant challenges, the match remains a testament to competitive cricket, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the sport.
NationPress
26/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score at tea on day five?
At tea on day five, India was struggling at 90/5 in their second innings.
Who was the standout bowler for South Africa?
Simon Harmer was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking three wickets.
What is the significance of this Test match for South Africa?
This Test match is significant for South Africa as they aim for a historic 2-0 series sweep.
How many runs did B Sai Sudharsan score?
B Sai Sudharsan scored 14 runs off 138 balls.
What are the brief scores of the match so far?
The brief scores are South Africa 489 and 260/5d, leading India 201 and 90/5.
