Kuldeep Yadav Strikes Late as India Fight Back to Restrict South Africa to 247/6 on Day 1 in Guwahati
The opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa at the newly inaugurated Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati was a gripping battle of momentum swings, with India clawing back in the final session to leave the contest evenly poised. South Africa, who looked comfortable for most of the day, finished at 247 for 6, thanks to a brilliant late spell by Kuldeep Yadav, who picked up three crucial wickets to pull India back into the game.
The match carries historical significance as Guwahati became India’s 30th Test venue, and the crowd responded with electrifying energy. BCCI President Mithun Manhas and Devajit Saikia led the ceremonial bell-ringing and presented special commemorative toss coins, marking the first-ever Test match in Assam.
South Africa Start Well After Winning the Toss
The visitors won the toss and elected to bat under clear skies, hoping to put up a strong first-innings total. Openers Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi negotiated the new ball cautiously, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj hitting probing lengths early on.
Markram looked fluent, punching drives off the back foot and rotating strike effectively. India, however, struck first through Siraj, who trapped de Zorzi with an in-swinging delivery that jagged back sharply. South Africa were reduced to 34/1, but this did not deter their rhythm.
A Steady Middle Session for the Proteas
Keegan Petersen and Markram then rebuilt confidently, adding valuable runs through positive stroke play. While Markram punished short balls, Petersen was compact, respecting the spinners and showing solid footwork against Ravindra Jadeja.
India struggled for breakthroughs as the ball softened and the pitch flattened. South Africa’s 100 came up comfortably, and they seemed on course for a big total. Petersen reached a composed fifty, while Markram continued to anchor the innings with elegance.
The partnership was eventually broken when Bumrah returned for a fiery spell and bowled Markram with a seaming delivery that cut in sharply. The Proteas were 142/2, still in control but aware of the danger India posed with the second new session approaching.
Kuldeep’s Magic Turns the Day Around
The defining phase of the day came in the final session. With the pitch slowing down and gripping slightly, India turned to Kuldeep Yadav, and the left-arm wrist-spinner delivered immediately.
Kuldeep dismissed Tristan Stubbs with a classic googly that beat the bat and struck the top of off stump. In his very next over, he removed Wiaan Mulder, trapping him LBW with a quicker delivery that skidded through. Suddenly, South Africa were wobbling at 198/5.
The collapse continued as Kuldeep struck yet again, removing the well-set Petersen with a beautifully tossed-up ball that drew him forward, only for the edge to be smartly taken by Rohit Sharma at slip.
Kuldeep’s figures of 3/48 on Day 1 underlined his ability to break partnerships and control the middle session—a skill that makes him invaluable in home conditions.
India Keep Pressure On Heading Into Day 2
By stumps, South Africa crawled to 247/6, thanks mainly to some resilience from the lower middle order. The Indian bowlers maintained disciplined lines, with Siraj and Bumrah keeping things tight while Jadeja offered excellent control from the other end.
Rishabh Pant’s captaincy was also notable, with smart field placements and tactical bowling changes that helped India wrestle back control after an ordinary afternoon session.
What to Expect on Day 2
With the pitch expected to offer more turn and inconsistent bounce on Day 2, India will look to wrap up the innings quickly. Anything under 300 would be considered a win for the hosts. The Indian batting lineup, however, will have to negotiate the early swing and hard lengths that South Africa’s pacers are known for.
The match remains finely balanced, and Day 2 promises another gripping chapter in what has already been a memorable Test match for Guwahati.
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