Source The Indian Express
Guwahati, November 24, 2025 – South Africa tightened their iron grip on the second Test against India, ending Day 3 with a commanding 314-run lead after a spectacular performance, primarily spearheaded by the all-round brilliance of Marco Jansen. The visitors closed the day at 26/0 in their second innings, setting a daunting task for the hosts over the final two days.
Jansen’s Six-Wicket Haul Crushes Indian Innings
Resuming on 9/0, India’s first innings was dismantled by a fiery spell of fast bowling from Marco Jansen, who followed up his crucial 93 with the bat by registering stunning figures of 6 for 48.
Despite a fluent half-century from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 off 97 balls) and a dogged 48 from Washington Sundar, the Indian middle and lower order collapsed dramatically. India, at one stage, lost six wickets for just 27 runs, sliding from a decent position to 122/7.
The partnership between Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav (19 off 134 balls) provided some much-needed resistance, stitching together a gritty 72-run stand for the eighth wicket. However, once Sundar fell just short of his fifty, the innings quickly folded, with India eventually bowled out for 201, handing South Africa a massive 288-run first-innings advantage.
Spinner Simon Harmer provided excellent support to Jansen, claiming 3 for 64.
Proteas Opt Not to Enforce Follow-on
Despite having the option to enforce the follow-on, South African captain Temba Bavuma chose to bat again. Openers Ryan Rickelton (13)* and Aiden Markram (12)* safely negotiated eight overs under fading light, extending the overall lead to 314 runs without losing a wicket.
With only two days remaining, South Africa is now overwhelmingly in control, well-positioned to push for a decisive victory and seal a rare Test series win on Indian soil. India will need an extraordinary batting effort and a sharp change in fortune to avoid a second straight Test defeat.
Score Summary at Stumps, Day 3:
South Africa 1st Innings: 489
India 1st Innings: 201 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, Washington Sundar 48; Marco Jansen 6/48)
South Africa 2nd Innings: 26/0 (Aiden Markram 12*, Ryan Rickelton 13*)
Result: South Africa lead by 314 runs with 10 wickets in hand.
