India Reach 9/0 After South Africa’s Massive 489; Hosts Trail by 480 Runs at Stumps on Day 2

Guwahati, Nov 2025: India openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal ensured a steady start as the hosts closed day two at 9 for no loss in 6.1 overs, responding to South Africa’s imposing first-innings total of 489 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Poor light forced yet another early end to play, leaving India trailing by 480 runs with three full days left in the Test.

South Africa’s innings was built on two outstanding performances—Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden Test century (109) and Marco Jansen’s explosive 93, both of which powered the visitors to a commanding position. Their partnership and career-best efforts have given South Africa an excellent chance to push for a rare Test series win on Indian soil.

India Begin Cautiously

Chasing a mountain of runs, India’s reply began with composure. Rahul and Jaiswal handled the new ball with patience, refusing to take unnecessary risks. India’s first boundary came when Jaiswal flicked a delivery drifting down the leg side from Jansen to square leg.

Despite tight bowling from Jansen and Wiaan Mulder, India avoided early damage. Light deteriorated rapidly, forcing the umpires to call stumps with only 6.1 overs bowled, denying India the opportunity to build early momentum.

With India already trailing the series, the pressure now mounts on the hosts to avoid what could be their second home Test series defeat in two years.

Muthusamy and Jansen Deliver Career-Defining Knocks

Earlier, South Africa resumed their innings with confidence. Muthusamy, known for his ability to grind bowling attacks—as seen in Rawalpindi and Chattogram—once again showed remarkable temperament. His superb 109 featured 10 fours and two sixes, anchoring the Proteas innings after coming in at a precarious 201/5.

Marco Jansen, meanwhile, played one of the finest innings ever seen from a visiting lower-order batter in India. His 93 off a flurry of boundaries (six fours, seven sixes) showcased power hitting of the highest order. He made excellent use of his reach, stepping out against spinners and punishing anything loose.

Together, the duo propelled South Africa past the 400-run mark and into a position of dominance.

Indian Bowlers Toil; Kuldeep Shines

For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler, finishing with 4/115. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with two wickets each. Except for Simon Harmer, every South African batter reached double digits—an indicator of the collective discipline of the Proteas’ lineup.

The final session brought India some relief when Siraj finally broke the Muthusamy–Jansen stand. Muthusamy miscued a hook and was caught at fine leg for 109, ending a defiant, innings-defining knock.

Jansen continued attacking, smashing Jadeja for two towering sixes and taking Siraj for another four and six as South Africa crossed 440. Bumrah then produced a beauty to knock back Harmer’s off stump.

Jansen, however, fell heartbreakingly short of a century when he chopped a Kuldeep googly onto his stumps for 93. His seven sixes made it the joint-highest number hit by a lower-order batter in India.

A defiant last-wicket stand with Keshav Maharaj added 18 vital runs before India wrapped up the innings.

South Africa in Control

South Africa’s 489 is now the highest first-innings total by any team that later lost a Test in India, underscoring the massive task ahead for the hosts. With a 480-run deficit and three days remaining, India face a stern test of skill, resilience, and temperament.

Brief Scores:
South Africa 489 in 151.1 overs (Senuran Muthusamy 109, Marco Jansen 93; Kuldeep Yadav 4-115, Jasprit Bumrah 2-75)
India 9/0 in 6.1 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 7*, KL Rahul 2*)
India trail by 480 runs