In Guwahati, India managed a few bright moments thanks to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, but South Africa dominated the day’s cricket, especially on Day 4 of the second Test. A stunning 94 from Tristan Stubbs lifted the Proteas’ lead past 500 runs, and the side later declared at 260/5, handing India a daunting target of 549.
The afternoon began with India’s bowlers stepping in after a 26‑run lead, and the openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram looked in control, guiding the score to 58 before the spinners made their impact. Rickelton, who had a bit of good fortune earlier, fell for 35 while spinning an aggressive shot, giving Jadeja his first breakthrough. Shortly after, the left‑arm spinner again snared Markram for 29, a turn that troubled the batsmen all morning.
Sundar, pairing well with Jadeja, delivered a disciplined spell, varying pace to keep the South African run‑rate in check. His persistence paid off when he dismissed captain Temba Bavuma, who misjudged a simple catch to leg‑leg. Though a few run‑out chances were missed, India’s fielding remained lively and prevented the visitors from converting their early momentum.
At the tea break, the score was 107/3, with Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs steadying the innings with a blend of caution and calculated aggression. Both found regular boundaries, shifting the momentum back to South Africa as the second session approached.
Their partnership continued its purpose; the duo swept, cut, and rotated the strike as if they were on a surface that didn’t deter them. Every boundary through the gaps was a reminder that the Proteas weren’t just surviving—they were advancing. De Zorzi’s powerful sweeps cut across the leg side, while Stubbs weathered early pressure before unleashing strokes that drained India’s initial energy.
After tea, Jadeja’s delivery trapped de Zorzi lbw just shy of fifty. That wicket seemed more like a pause than a turning point. Stubbs pressed on to a relaxed fifty, and Wiaan Mulder joined him, quietly pushing the lead beyond 500 and showing confidence.
With four sessions remaining, South Africa showed no desire to declare early, adding 113 runs in the second session for the loss of one wicket. India even employed part‑time Yashasvi Jaiswal for an over, but the Proteas retained tight control.
At lunch, South Africa were 220/4 after 70 overs, firmly ahead as India faced a chilling prospect.
As Stubbs edged into a nineties, many expected a declaration. The young player hovered in the nervous nineties and South Africa watched to see if he could cross the 100‑run mark. When he was eventually dismissed, Bavuma signaled a return of the batters, closing the innings at 260/5. This set the hosts a massive 549‑run chase.
While a win looks unlikely, India will aim to continue batting through the rest of Day 4 and the final day to secure a draw. South Africa will target another bowling effort to dismiss the hosts and add a historic victory, also grabbing invaluable World Test Championship points.
Brief Scores: South Africa 489 and 260/5 declared in 78.3 overs (Tristan Stubbs 94, Tony de Zorzi 49; Ravindra Jadeja 4/62). India 201 all out in 83.5 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, Washington Sundar 48; Marco Jansen 6-48, Simon Harmer 3-64) – a margin of 548 runs.
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