India took a 58-run lead over South Africa on Day 2 of the second Test, with Shardul Thakur’s seven-wicket haul dismissing the hosts for 229 in response to the visitors’ 202. Cheteshwar Pujara (35*) and Ajinkya Rahane (11*) hung on to the crease at stumps in India’s second innings, as India finished at 85/2.
After Keegan Petersen hit a superb half-century before lunch, Thakur ripped through the hosts’ batting line-up with figures of 7 for 61. South Africa gained 53 runs to their overnight total of 35 for one before losing skipper Dean Elgar for 28 runs, but Petersen held the other end, scoring 62 off 118 balls.
In their first innings, the visitors were all out for 202 runs. South Africa took a 27-run advantage over India in the first innings.
South Africa
Earlier in the day, Lord Thakur put on a show, taking seven wickets to dismiss South Africa for 229. The South African batsmen, on the other hand, did well to build a key 27-run advantage, but they must bat last on this pitch, which can be a challenging challenge. As a result, it is now up to their bowlers to keep India to a low score. However, at this point, the game is well-balanced.
South African bowlers bowled with a lot of steam and caused a lot of difficulties for Indian batters. Jansen, the kid, provided the opening break once more when he simply got the big fish Rahul out.
As both the in-form hitters were sent back to the hut, Duanne Olivier, the return man, took Mayank Agarwal’s wicket. They’ve already taken two wickets and will try to take eight more wickets as soon as possible on Day 3 to keep India to a manageable score.
India
The Indian batsmen were focused and did not miss any scoring opportunities. However, the loss of two of their in-form hitters has pushed them back a little. Pujara and Rahane, a veteran duo, are in the middle, and India will be hoping that they finally produce when it means most.
So far in this innings, Pujara has batted with a lot of confidence. Remember, they’re also competing for a spot on the team, so it’ll be interesting to see how they handle themselves on Day 3.
With 8 wickets in hand, India leads by 58 runs at the end of Day 2. Will they be able to set a tough aim for South Africa on Day 3? On the third day of this Test match, we are in for a thrilling day of cricket.
Read: India vs South Africa 2nd Test, Day 1: India gives a target of 202 runs, SA 35/1 at stumps
