Guwahati, November 23: Senuran Muthusamy struck a magnificent maiden Test century while Marco Jansen unleashed a blistering counter-attack as South Africa posted a commanding 489 in their first innings on Day 2 of the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium. India, trailing by 480 runs, reached 9/0 at stumps with bad light forcing an early close.
Day 1 Foundation: Top Order Delivers
After winning the toss and electing to bat on Saturday, South Africa built a solid platform through disciplined batting. Openers Aiden Markram (38 off 81 balls) and Ryan Rickelton (35 off 80 balls) added 82 runs for the first wicket, negotiating the new ball challenge on a pitch offering assistance to seamers.
Both openers fell in quick succession at 82, but Tristan Stubbs (49) and captain Temba Bavuma (41) steadied the innings with an 84-run partnership for the third wicket. Stubbs struck four boundaries and two sixes in his fluent knock before Kuldeep Yadav trapped him.
Bavuma, who hit five boundaries in his patient 92-ball innings, became Ravindra Jadeja’s victim when he chipped a catch to mid-off. Tony de Zorzi contributed 28 and Wiaan Mulder made 13 before South Africa closed Day 1 at 247/6, with Muthusamy unbeaten on 25 and Kyle Verreynne on 1.
Day 2: Lower Order Resurrection
Sunday belonged to the South African lower order. Resuming from their overnight score, Muthusamy and Verreynne batted through the first session without losing a wicket, taking the score past 300. Their seventh-wicket partnership yielded 88 runs before Jadeja had Verreynne stumped by Rishabh Pant for 45 in the second session.
Muthusamy-Jansen Partnership Changes Momentum
The arrival of Marco Jansen transformed the game completely. While Muthusamy continued his patient accumulation, Jansen launched a brutal assault on the Indian bowlers. The eighth-wicket pair added a match-defining 97 runs in just 107 balls, completely demoralizing the Indian attack.
Muthusamy reached his maiden Test hundred off 206 deliveries with a crisp punch through covers off Mohammed Siraj, celebrating emotionally with raised arms. His innings included 10 boundaries and two sixes, showcasing excellent temperament and shot selection.
Jansen’s innings was pure entertainment – 93 runs off 91 balls with six fours and a record seven sixes. His hitting was so clean that he threatened to register his maiden Test century, but fell seven runs short when Kuldeep Yadav induced an inside edge that crashed into the stumps.
Mohammed Siraj dismissed Muthusamy for 109, caught at fine leg by Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first ball of the 138th over. Jasprit Bumrah then removed Simon Harmer (5) to leave South Africa nine down.
The innings ended at 489 when Kuldeep clean bowled Jansen, with Keshav Maharaj left stranded on 12 not out. The last four wickets had added a staggering 243 runs, turning the match firmly in South Africa’s favor.
India’s Bowling Card
Kuldeep Yadav was India’s most successful bowler with 4 wickets, though he proved expensive. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja claimed two wickets each, but none could prevent the South African onslaught.
Brief Reply Before Bad Light
India’s openers KL Rahul (2*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (7*) faced 6.1 overs before deteriorating light forced early stumps. With 480 runs still required to avoid follow-on, India face a monumental task on Day 3.
Series Context
South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0 after their historic 30-run victory in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. A draw in Guwahati would secure their first Test series win in India since 2000.
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