South Africa’s 489-Run Onslaught Leaves India Reeling in Guwahati Test

South Africa has posted a monumental first-innings total of 489 against India in the second Test. The Proteas batted with aggressive intent on Day 2 in Guwahati. Senuran Muthusamy scored a brilliant 109, supported by Marco Jansen’s explosive 93.India now faces a massive deficit of 480 runs. The hosts are also without their captain, Shubman Gill, due to a neck injury. This puts immense pressure on stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant.

Proteas’ Lower Order Wreaks Havoc

South Africa was in a decent position at 247/6 on Day 1. Their lower order then launched a stunning counter-attack. Muthusamy and Jansen combined for a destructive 150-run partnership.Jansen smashed six sixes in his innings. His powerful hitting demoralized the Indian bowling attack. According to ESPNcricinfo, his innings was described as “extremely tactical.”India’s bowlers struggled on a flattening pitch. Kuldeep Yadav had taken three wickets on Day 1. The spin duo found little assistance as the match progressed.

India’s Captaincy Crisis Deepens

India’s challenge became tougher with Gill’s confirmed absence. The captain had suffered the injury during the first Test in Kolkata. The BCCI released him from the squad after assessing his fitness.Rishabh Pant now leads India for the first time in Tests. He becomes India’s fourth Test captain in just twelve months. His leadership will be tested immediately.B Sai Sudharsan is likely to replace Gill in the lineup. The team also recalled all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. These changes disrupt India’s batting order at a critical moment.

Series Context Adds to Pressure

South Africa leads the two-match series 1-0. They won the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs. A draw or win here would secure their first series victory in India since 2010.India hasn’t lost a home Test series in three years. That impressive record now hangs in the balance. The team must win this match to level the series.The new ACA Stadium in Guwahati is hosting its first Test match. The pitch has proven more batting-friendly than Kolkata’s surface. This could help India’s batters in their massive chase.

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India’s path to survival requires one of their greatest batting performances in recent memory. The team must overcome a 489-run mountain to keep their series hopes alive against a dominant South Africa.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is South Africa’s first innings score?

South Africa scored 489 runs in their first innings. Senuran Muthusamy top-scored with 109 runs. Marco Jansen contributed 93 valuable runs.

Who is captaining India in this Test?

Rishabh Pant is leading India after Shubman Gill’s injury. This is Pant’s first Test as captain. He becomes India’s fourth Test captain this year.

What does India need to do to win the series?

India cannot win the series after losing the first Test. They can only level it 1-1 by winning this match. South Africa needs just a draw to claim the series victory.

How significant is South Africa’s total?

Scoring 489 in the first innings gives South Africa tremendous control. It puts enormous scoreboard pressure on India’s batting lineup. Historically, such large first-innings totals often lead to victory.

Why is this Test match starting earlier?

The match starts at 9:00 AM instead of 10:00 AM local time. This adjustment accounts for Guwahati’s early sunset. It ensures adequate playing time each day.