South Africa strengthened their position in the second Test on Tuesday, producing a commanding batting performance to set India a daunting target of 549 runs in Guwahati.
Tristan Stubbs stole the spotlight with a superb 94, supported by Tony de Zorzi’s composed 49, as the visitors declared at 260/5 in their second innings.
Resuming at 26/0, openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram began confidently, extending the score to 58 before India’s spinners intervened. Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Rickelton for 35 with a well-flight delivery, and soon after, removed Markram for 29 as the ball began to grip and turn sharply.
Washington Sundar maintained tight lines from the other end, using subtle variations to keep the middle order in check. His discipline was rewarded when he removed South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, who flicked a catch to leg slip. Although India missed a couple of run-out chances, the bowlers ensured the scoring remained controlled through the morning.
At 107/3 by tea, the session felt evenly poised. But de Zorzi and Stubbs soon took charge, blending caution with aggression as they rebuilt the innings. Their fluent shot-making, particularly de Zorzi’s sweeps and Stubbs’ assured strokeplay, shifted momentum firmly back towards the visitors.
Stubbs Falls Short of Century as Proteas Declare
After tea, Jadeja trapped de Zorzi lbw just one short of his half-century, but the dismissal did little to slow South Africa. Stubbs marched confidently to his fifty and continued to dominate, finding boundaries with ease alongside Wiaan Mulder as the lead surged beyond 500.
South Africa added 113 runs in the second session for the loss of just one wicket, showcasing complete control. Even a brief over from part-timer Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to break their rhythm.
When Stubbs entered the nineties, many anticipated the visitors would wait for his milestone before declaring. However, as soon as he fell for 94, Bavuma signalled the declaration, closing the innings at 260/5.
India now faces the enormous task of batting through the remainder of Day 4 and the final day to salvage a draw. South Africa, meanwhile, will push for a memorable victory and valuable World Test Championship points.
Brief Scores:
South Africa 489 & 260/5d (Stubbs 94, de Zorzi 49; Jadeja 4/62) lead India 201 all out by 548 runs.
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