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Match Report: Day 3 – India’s Collapse Hands Control to South Africa
Day three of the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati proved disastrous for India, as a relentless South African bowling attack tore through the middle and lower order, leaving the hosts staring at a monumental deficit.
At the close of play on Day 3, India was struggling at 194 for 8, trailing South Africa’s commanding first-innings total of 489 by a massive 295 runs.
South Africa’s Pace and Spin Synergy
The visiting team’s bowling strategy was executed perfectly, mixing the threat of tall pace with the relentless accuracy of spin.
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Jansen Leads the Pace: All-rounder Marco Jansen, fresh off his devastating 93 runs with the bat, was lethal with the ball, finishing the day with 4 crucial wickets. He utilized his height and accuracy to trouble the Indian batsmen consistently.
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Harmer’s Web: Off-spinner Simon Harmer was equally effective, weaving a tight web of spin that the Indian middle order failed to escape, also claiming 4 wickets.
India’s Batting Struggles 📉
India’s batting lineup was unable to cope with the pressure of South Africa’s 489 runs, losing wickets at regular intervals throughout the day.
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Brief Resistance: Only Washington Sundar offered any substantial resistance among the later batsmen, scoring a patient 48 runs off 92 balls. His dismissal, caught off a hard length delivery from Harmer, signalled the end of India’s recognized batting.
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Captains’ Struggle: Stand-in captain Rishabh Pant and the senior batsmen struggled to build lasting partnerships against the disciplined South African attack, leading to a quick succession of wickets in the crucial afternoon session.
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Tail-End Fight: At stumps, India’s hopes of minimizing the deficit rested on the last two recognized batsmen, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, who still had 19 overs left to negotiate.
South Africa is firmly in the driver’s seat, expected to wrap up the Indian innings quickly on Day 4 and press for a series-clinching victory.
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