Jansen’s Six-For Puts South Africa in Command as India Fold for 201

Nov 2025 : South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium as left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen produced a sensational spell, taking 6–48 to bowl India out for a modest 201 in 83.5 overs on day three. His fiery short-ball attack and unwavering accuracy dismantled India’s middle order, paving the way for a massive 288-run lead.

Resuming the day with hopes of narrowing the deficit, India were soon in trouble as Jansen relentlessly targeted the body, unsettling batters with steep bounce and tight lines. His spell triggered a collapse that left the hosts tottering at 122/7. India’s lower order, however, showed commendable fight through Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, who stitched a gritty 72-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Sundar struck 48 off 92 balls with solid technique, while Kuldeep showcased immense resilience, soaking up 134 deliveries for his 19 runs.

Despite their best efforts, the resistance could not last. Off-spinner Simon Harmer created the breakthrough just before the second new ball, deceiving Sundar with sharp dip and forcing an edge to slip, dismissing him for 46. The moment opened the floodgates for South Africa.

With the new ball in hand, Jansen wasted no time completing his five-wicket haul. In the very first over, he dismissed Kuldeep with a delivery that bounced sharply, forcing an edge to second slip—also giving Aiden Markram his fifth catch of the innings. Jasprit Bumrah’s stay was cut short by a vicious bouncer from Jansen, ending India’s innings and giving the tall left-arm seamer his sixth wicket. The performance capped one of the finest all-round displays by a visiting player in India, following his brilliant 93 with the bat in South Africa’s first innings.

Jansen’s heroics placed him in elite company, making him only the third left-arm fast bowler—after Zaheer Khan and Mitchell Johnson—to claim a five-wicket haul in Tests on Indian soil. On a pitch that offered little to pacers, his clever variation of length and immaculate control proved decisive.

Despite a commanding lead, South Africa opted against enforcing the follow-on. Captain Temba Bavuma consulted team management on the decision before choosing to bat again, requesting the light roller ahead of the team’s second innings. The visitors, buoyed by Jansen’s all-round brilliance, walked out with a clear intent to further stretch their advantage and all but seal the match and the series.

India now face an uphill battle, needing a monumental effort to stay alive in the contest. With South Africa firmly on top and momentum entirely in their favour, the Test appears to be slipping away from the hosts.

Brief Scores: South Africa 489 in 151.1 overs (Senuran Muthusamy 109; Kuldeep Yadav 4-115) lead India 201 in 83.5 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, Washington Sundar 48; Marco Jansen 6-48, Simon Harmer 3-64) by 288 runs.