India vs South Africa, 2nd Test Day 4 Live Updates:
With the remarkable prowess of off-spinner Simon Harmer, who claimed 6 wickets, South Africa defeated India by 408 runs on Wednesday, winning the series 2-0. This loss added another bitter chapter to India's Test cricket history as it marked their greatest defeat by runs. Moreover, it was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years.
In Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium, India faced a daunting target of 549 runs, but by the fifth day, the team was bowled out for 140 runs. Under Temba Bavuma's captaincy, the South African team clinched a spectacular victory by 408 runs, marking India's most substantial defeat in Test cricket history.
The visitors amassed 489 runs in their first innings and declared their second innings at 260/5d, setting India an imposing target of 549 runs.
Player of the Match:
South Africa's Marco Jansen delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 93 runs and achieving bowling figures of 6/48 and 1/23.
Player of the Series:
South Africa's Simon Harmer captivated with his bowling, securing a total of 17 wickets.
Under pressure, India crumbled, scoring only 201 in the first innings and 140 in the second. South African bowlers didn't allow Indian batsmen to settle in either innings, with Simon Harmer taking 6 wickets in the second innings, totaling 9 wickets in the match.
South Africa Secures Series Win in India After 25 Years
In 2000, under Hansie Cronje's leadership, South Africa achieved a 2-0 whitewash over India in an away Test series. It was also their last series win in India until now. The first game in Mumbai was won by four wickets, with the team clinching the second Test in Bangalore by an innings and 71 runs. By winning the Kolkata and now Guwahati Tests, Temba Bavuma matched Hansie Cronje's record, clean-sheeting India in this series. Notably, South Africa won the Kolkata Test by 30 runs.
Highlights of India’s Second Innings
India's second innings started poorly. Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) was caught cheaply by keeper Kyle Verreynne off Marco Jansen's ball. Soon after, K.L. Rahul (6) was bowled by Simon Harmer. India began the fifth day at 27/2, only to add 13 more runs before Kuldeep Yadav fell for 5, bowled by Harmer. Dhruv Jurel was also dismissed in the same over (24th).
Indian captain Rishabh Pant showed some aggression, hitting a four and a six, pushing India's score to 58. However, he too fell to an extra bounce from Harmer, giving a catch to Aiden Markram at 13 runs. After the tea break, Sai Sudharsan’s resilience ended as he was caught by Senuran Muthusamy after scoring 14 runs off 139 balls. Washington Sundar (16 runs from 44 balls) couldn’t contribute much and was sent back by Harmer. Nitish Reddy failed again, going out for a duck. Attempting a big shot after Reddy’s dismissal, Ravindra Jadeja was stumped, leaving Mohammed Siraj as the last man out.
Scorecard of India’s Second Innings
Wicket Fall:
1-17 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 6.1 overs), 2-21 (K.L. Rahul, 9.2 overs), 3-40 (Kuldeep Yadav, 23.3 overs), 4-42 (Dhruv Jurel, 23.6 overs), 5-58 (Rishabh Pant, 31.2 overs), 6-95 (Sai Sudharsan, 47.5 overs), 7-130 (Washington Sundar, 60.4 overs), 8-138 (Nitish Kumar Reddy, 62.1 overs), 9-140 (Ravindra Jadeja, 63.1 overs), 10-140 (Mohammed Siraj, 63.5 overs) In response to South Africa's imposing first innings of 489 runs, India could only score 201 in their first innings, giving South Africa a significant lead of 288 runs. South Africa declared their second innings at 260/5 runs, setting India a target of 549 runs to win this Test.
To draw the series, Team India needed to win this match. India also suffered a 30-run loss in the first Test match of the series hosted in Kolkata.
Stubbs' Tallies 94, South Africa Declares Second Innings at 260/5
The South African side posted 260/5 in the second innings thanks to Tristan Stubbs’ impressive 94-run stint. With Stubbs' dismissal, Temba Bavuma declared the innings.
During their second innings, South Africa started steadily. In the last session of day three, Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram held the Indian bowlers at bay, navigating eight overs without loss. Star pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah were unable to create any breakthroughs with the new ball during this period.
On the fourth day, Ravindra Jadeja gave India their first breakthrough by having Ryan Rickelton caught by Mohammed Siraj for 35 runs. Rickelton and Aiden Markram shared a 59-run opening partnership. Jadeja trapped Aiden Markram soon after with another smart delivery.
Shortly thereafter, Temba Bavuma was dismissed for 3 runs by Washington Sundar. An impressive partnership of 101 runs between Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi ensued. This alliance was disbanded by Jadeja, who removed de Zorzi for 49 runs. South Africa suffered their fifth blow with Stubbs, who scored 94 runs from 180 balls before being caught off Jadeja's bowling. Jadeja was the most successful bowler for India, taking four wickets for 62 runs.
South Africa Second Innings Scorecard:
260/5 (Declared)
Wicket Fall:
1-59 (Ryan Rickelton, 18.3 overs), 2-74 (Aiden Markram, 28.1 overs), 3-77 (Temba Bavuma, 31.3 overs), 4-178 (Tony de Zorzi, 58.1 overs), 5-260 (Tristan Stubbs, 78.3 overs)
India's First Innings: Marco Jansen Shines
India's opening innings started promisingly but they lost momentum quickly. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal struck a fluent 58 runs off 97 balls with seven fours and a six. Washington Sundar added a resilient 48 runs from 92 balls with two fours and a six.
Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav put together a 72-run partnership for the eighth wicket, helping India to reach a somewhat respectable total. For South Africa, fast bowler Marco Jansen claimed a notable six-wicket haul. Spinner Simon Harmer also contributed with three wickets.
India First Innings Scorecard: (201/10, 83.5 Overs)
Wicket Fall:
1-65 (K.L. Rahul, 21.3 overs), 2-95 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 32.2 overs), 3-96 (Sai Sudharsan, 34.3 overs), 4-102 (Dhruv Jurel, 35.3 overs), 5-105 (Rishabh Pant, 37.2 overs), 6-119 (Nitish Kumar Reddy, 41.4 overs), 7-122 (Ravindra Jadeja, 43.3 overs), 8-194 (Washington Sundar, 78.1 overs), 9-194 (Kuldeep Yadav, 81.5 overs), 10-201 (Jasprit Bumrah, 83.5 overs)
South Africa's First Innings: Senuran Muthusamy's Century
In the match, South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first. His decision proved fruitful as the visiting team posted a formidable total. Senuran Muthusamy scored 109 runs from 206 balls, hitting ten fours and two sixes, marking his first international century.
Marco Jansen also contributed heavily, blasting 93 runs from 91 balls, with seven fours and sixes each. For India, chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav took the highest number of 4 wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj each secured two dismissals. South Africa’s strong start put India under pressure from the outset.
South Africa First Innings Scorecard: (489/10, 151.1 Overs)
Wicket Fall:
1-82 (Aiden Markram, 26.5 overs), 2-82 (Ryan Rickelton, 27.2 overs), 3-166 (Temba Bavuma, 57.2 overs), 4-187 (Tristan Stubbs, 63.1 overs), 5-201 (Wiaan Mulder, 67.1 overs), 6-246 (Tony de Zorzi, 81.1 overs), 7-334 (Kyle Verreynne, 120.3 overs), 8-431 (Senuran Muthusamy, 138.1 overs), 9-462 (Simon Harmer, 143.1 overs), 10-489 (Marco Jansen, 151.1 overs)
Playing XI for India in Guwahati Test:
K.L. Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (Captain/Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.
Playing XI for South Africa in Guwahati Test:
Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (Captain), Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kyle Verreynne (Wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, and Keshav Maharaj.
India vs South Africa (Head to Head)
Total Test Matches: 46 India Wins: 16 South Africa Wins: 20 Draws: 10
India vs South Africa Head to Head (In India)
Total Test Matches: 21 India Wins: 11 South Africa Wins: 7 Draws: 3