South Africa End Day 1 at 247/6 After Balanced Guwahati Pitch Tests Both Sides

 


After India’s defeat in the first Test, Gautam Gambhir had praised the Eden Gardens surface. But when BCCI secretary Debjit Shaikiya reached Guwahati, head coach Rahul Dravid made no special pitch demands. The ground staff were allowed complete independence—and the result was a fair, balanced deck. Batting was possible, but bowlers also found enough assistance. Its essence was reflected clearly as South Africa closed Day 1 at 247/6.

This is Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium’s first-ever Test match. Naturally, excitement among local fans was high, and Day 1’s bat-ball contest did not disappoint. The pitch offered even bounce, demanding discipline from batters while keeping bowlers interested.

South Africa’s batters, aware of India’s strength, adopted a cautious approach early on. Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton played risk-free cricket, putting on 82 runs for the first wicket. Markram, dropped early by KL Rahul in the slips, was finally removed for 38 by Jasprit Bumrah just before Tea. Soon after the break, Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Rickelton for 35.

At 82/2, Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs took charge. Their patient 84-run stand tested India’s bowlers. Jadeja broke through by removing Bavuma for 41, a wicket that also saw the South African captain complete 1000 Test runs. Stubbs fell agonisingly short of a fifty—out for 49, again to Kuldeep. Wiaan Mulder managed only 13, leaving the visitors at 201/5.

Tony de Zorzi and Senuran Muthusamy steadied the innings with a 45-run partnership before Mohammed Siraj removed de Zorzi. At stumps, Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 25, alongside wicketkeeper Verreynne on 1.

India claimed just one wicket in each of the first two sessions but struck back with four in the final one to stay in the contest. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with 3/48, followed by Jadeja (1/30), Bumrah (1/38), and Siraj (1/59).

A balanced first day, a competitive pitch, and a poised match—Guwahati’s debut Test has started on a compelling note.


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