South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test in Guwahati, with Marco Jansen delivering a match-defining performance on Day 3. The towering paceman’s devastating spell dismantled India’s batting lineup, leaving the hosts staring at a potential series defeat at the historic Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
Table of Contents
India vs South Africa Day 3 Scorecard Summary
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 489 all out | 26/0 (8 overs) | 314 runs |
| India | 201 all out | – | – |
| Top Scorer (IND) | Washington Sundar (48) | – | – |
| Best Bowler (SA) | Marco Jansen (6 wickets) | – | – |
Jansen’s Masterclass Destroys Indian Batting
Standing at a towering height, Marco Jansen exploited the bounce and pace available in the Guwahati pitch to devastating effect, claiming six wickets and putting India in deep trouble. The left-arm quick’s relentless accuracy and clever use of short-pitched bowling left Indian batsmen with few answers.
Starting Day 3 at 9/0 and trailing by 480 runs, India desperately needed a strong batting performance. The opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul added 65 runs before the innings collapsed spectacularly, with wickets falling in clusters. Only Washington Sundar (48) and Kuldeep Yadav (19) offered meaningful resistance as India was bundled out for just 201.
South Africa’s Strategic Decision
Despite enjoying a commanding 288-run lead, South African captain Temba Bavuma consulted with his teammates and coaching staff before deciding against enforcing the follow-on. This tactical choice allowed South Africa to bat again, extending their lead to 314 runs by stumps with all wickets intact.
India’s Fightback Hopes Dim
The day belonged entirely to South Africa. Bad light stopped play early in Guwahati, with South Africa reaching 26/0 after 8 overs in their second innings. The visitors are now firmly in the driver’s seat, needing just eight wickets on the remaining days to seal a 2-0 series sweep over India.
This Test marks Guwahati’s first-ever international Test match, but the historic occasion has turned into a nightmare for the hosts. Learn more about India’s cricket challenges and sports analysis as the team battles to avoid defeat.
Key Performers
South Africa:
- Marco Jansen: 6 wickets with exceptional bounce and pace
- Senuran Muthusamy: Maiden Test century (103) in first innings
- Opening pair: Unbeaten in second innings
India:
- Washington Sundar: Top-scored with 48 runs
- Kuldeep Yadav: Showed resistance with 19 runs
- Rest of batting: Failed to deliver under pressure
The Indian team, led by Rishabh Pant in the absence of injured captain Shubman Gill, faces an uphill battle to save the Test and keep the series alive. For comprehensive cricket coverage and sports updates, follow the ongoing action from Barsapara Stadium.
How to Watch India vs South Africa 2nd Test
Live Streaming & TV Coverage:
📺 Television: Star Sports Network (all channels)
📱 Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website
🕒 Match Timings: 9:00 AM IST (Daily)
🏟️ Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
🌐 Live Score Updates: ESPN Cricinfo official website
Day 4 Schedule:
- First Session: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM IST
- Lunch Break: 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM IST
- Second Session: 11:40 AM – 1:40 PM IST
- Tea Break: 1:40 PM – 2:00 PM IST
- Final Session: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM IST (extendable by 30 minutes)
Catch all the action live as India fights to stay in the contest. Stay tuned to our cricket coverage for post-match analysis and expert opinions.
FAQs
Q1: Why didn’t South Africa enforce the follow-on despite a 288-run lead?
South Africa chose to bat again to give their bowlers rest after a long fielding effort and to build an insurmountable lead. This strategic decision removes any pressure from their second innings and allows them to dictate terms completely, setting India an impossible chase while keeping their bowlers fresh for the final push.
Q2: What makes Marco Jansen’s performance so special in this match?
Marco Jansen’s six-wicket haul was exceptional due to his intelligent use of bounce and pace on the Guwahati pitch. At 2.08 meters tall, he extracted steep bounce that troubled Indian batsmen throughout. His ability to bowl probing lines in the channel while mixing short-pitched deliveries made him virtually unplayable, marking a career-defining performance for the young South African pacer.
