South Africa’s lower order puts India under pressure in Guwahati Test.

 



Senuran Muthusamy’s superb 109 and Marco Jansen’s explosive 93 left India under significant pressure in the Guwahati Test. For Rishabh Pant’s team, winning the match — and thereby levelling the series — could now prove extremely difficult. On Sunday, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and the rest of India’s attack struggled to break through South Africa’s resistance. The Proteas were finally bowled out for 489, after which India reached 9/0 by stumps.

South Africa had resumed on 247/6 on Saturday. On Sunday, the remaining four wickets added a massive 242 runs, with the last three wickets alone contributing 155. India not only struggled against the recognised batters but also failed to dismiss the tailenders efficiently. Batting at No. 7, the India-origin all-rounder Muthusamy produced a responsible century — his maiden Test hundred — in just his eighth Test at the age of 31. Having impressed earlier against Pakistan, he showcased his skills once again against India on their home soil. He first partnered Kyle Verreynne (45) and later Jansen to take South Africa to a commanding position. Muthusamy struck 10 fours and 2 sixes in his 206-ball knock, while Verreynne added five boundaries.

After Verreynne’s dismissal, Jansen took charge alongside Muthusamy. The tall all-rounder narrowly missed a maiden Test hundred, falling for 93 to Kuldeep. His 91-ball blitz featured 6 fours and 7 sixes. Keshav Maharaj remained unbeaten on 12, while Simon Harmer (5) was the only tailender who couldn’t contribute significantly. South Africa’s last five batters collectively added 264 runs, pushing India firmly onto the back foot.

India had regained momentum late on Day 1 with four wickets in the final session, but the advantage slipped away within the first two hours of Day 2. India failed to take a single wicket in that period. Pant’s defensive field placements played a major role, allowing South Africa’s batters easy scoring opportunities. The Proteas were barely challenged, and Pant did not even use Nitish Kumar Reddy as a bowling option. Former India captain Anil Kumble was among those who criticised Pant’s unimaginative captaincy.

Kuldeep finished with 4 wickets for 115, while Bumrah took 2 for 75. Ravindra Jadeja picked up 2 for 94, and Mohammed Siraj claimed 2 for 106.

India will need a strong response with the bat to stay alive in the series.


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