Kolkata – The first Test at Eden Gardens is still hanging in the balance as South Africa trail India by 12 runs on Day 2. After a modest 189, India held a 30‑run edge, and the South African side could only muster 18 for 1 when the tea break ended.
Kuldeep Yadav opened the slog with an early wicket, knocking Ryan Rickelton out LBW on the first ball after tea. The 18‑run stand that followed, with Rickelton on 11, saw South Africa at 18/1 in 6.4 overs. Aiden Markram stays not out on three, ready to join Wiaan Mulder for the post‑tea session.
South Africa’s second innings erupted from the start. Jasprit Bumrah’s pace and bounce rattled Rickelton, who even hit two boundaries before the wicket fell. Saxar Patel paired Bumrah with the new ball, bowling a tight line that kept Rickelton and Markram in check.
India’s batting had been uneven. KL Rahul was the only player to cross thirty, ending with 39, while Washington Sundar scored 29. After a 57‑run partnership, India fell apart after lunch, losing five wickets for just 36 runs and finishing at 189 in 62.2 overs.
On the bowling front, South Africa’s off‑spinner Simon Harmer turned the pitch well, picking up four wickets for just 30 runs. Left‑arm pacer Marco Jansen added three wickets for 35. These figures contrast with India’s scoring stand, which ended one run short of 190 after losing five wickets for 51 runs post‑lunch.
Key moments of the day included Dhruv Jurel’s crisp timing against Corbin Bosch and Ravindra Jadeja’s elegant drive through cover. Harmer’s tricky toss‑up and a fast ball to Jurel caused the wicket that left the South African side hovering near 106/5. Kuldeep Yadav’s accurate right‑arm medium‑pace finished the early session.
With India still ahead, the teams are poised for a thrilling finish as they return to the crease for Day 2’s final session.
Brief Scores
South Africa 159 and 18/1 in 6.4 overs (Ryan Rickelton 11; Kuldeep Yadav 1–2) trailing India 189 in 62.2 overs (KL Rahul 39, Washington Sundar 29; Simon Harmer 4–30, Marco Jansen 3–35) by 12 runs.
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