Guwahati Test: SA hand India 549-run target, eye another win
What's the story
South Africa delayed their second-innings declaration against India in the 2nd Test at Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium. After bowling India out for 201, the Proteas played 78.3 more overs to score 260/5 in the second innings. They gave India a mammoth 549-run target with over three sessions to go. While Ravindra Jadeja took four wickets, India lost two wickets before stumps (27/2).
Resumption
SA wait till final session to declare
South Africa were on top with a 314-run lead on the third evening. SA, who earlier hammered 489, didn't enforce the follow-on and returned unscathed at stumps (26/0). Despite being in the driving seat, SA allowed Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, and Wiaan Mulder to take their time on Day 4. The declaration came in the final session (260/5).
Partnership
Markram, Rickelton script this partnership record
Markram and Rickelton became the first South African pair in 17 years to register 50-plus partnerships in both innings of a Test in India. They added 59 runs in the second innings. In the first innings, Markram (38) and Rickelton (35) put up a solid opening stand of 82 runs in 26.5 overs. They became only the fourth SA opening pair to do so.
Jadeja
The pick of India's bowlers
South Africa declared in the second innings after losing their fifth wicket in the form of Tristan Stubbs. Jadeja knocked over the batter, who fell six runs short of his century. The Indian spinner earlier dismissed Rickelton (35), Markram (29), and Tony de Zorzi (49). Jadeja, the pick of India's bowlers, conceded 62 runs in 28.3 overs.
Milestone
Jadeja completes 50 Test wickets against SA
During the innings, Jadeja raced to 50 wickets against South Africa in Tests. This includes three fifers with the best of 6/138. Anil Kumble (84), Javagal Srinath (64), Harbhajan Singh (60), and Ravichandran Ashwin (57) are the other Indian bowlers with 50-plus Test scalps against the Proteas. However, none of these bowlers boasts a sub-20 average in this regard.
Information
Another feat for Jadeja
According to Cricbuzz, Jadeja has become just the second left-arm spinner with 50 or more Test wickets against South Africa, joining England's Colin Blythe. The latter took 59 wickets between 1906 and 1910.
Stubbs
Stubbs falls short of his ton
South Africa continued to torment the Indian bowlers in the second innings, with Stubbs leading the charge. Batting at No. 3, he powered South Africa with a 101-run stand with Tony de Zorzi (49). He further added 82 runs with Wiaan Mulder (35*) before falling to Jadeja. Stubbs's 94 off 180 balls was laced with 9 fours and a six.
Target
Rare target for India at home
The sight of India receiving a 500-plus target in home Tests is rare, given their dominance. According to Cricbuzz, India have been set a 500-plus target in a home Test only on one other occasion. It happened in the 2004 Nagpur Test when Australia handed the home side a 543-run target. India lost that match by 342 runs, their biggest Test defeat (by runs).
Chases
Highest successful run-chases in India
According to Cricbuzz, a 400-plus total is yet to be chased down to win a Test match in Asia. The highest successful run-chase in Asia in Tests is 395 by West Indies against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2021. And the highest such total in India is 387 by India against England in Chennai in 2008.
Final hour
India two down in final hour
With a daunting target, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul came out to bat in the final hour. Jaiswal was perturbed by Marco Jansen with short deliveries. Despite showing promise, he fell to Jansen, throwing his bat away for a cut. Spinner Simon Harmer knocked over Rahul (6) after three overs. Kuldeep Yadav (4*) came in as a nightwatchman, joining Sai Sudharsan (2*).