New Delhi: India began their uphill pursuit of 549 with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul taking guard after South Africa declared their second innings at 260 for 5 on the fourth day of the second Test in Guwahati. The visitors built their commanding position through disciplined batting led by Tristan Stubbs, who produced a determined 94 to keep India’s bowlers at bay for most of the day.
South Africa resumed the morning with a sizeable lead and were briefly checked by early breakthroughs. Ravindra Jadeja struck twice in quick succession and Washington Sundar added another wicket, reducing the innings to 77 for 3. Despite the pressure from India’s spin duo, Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi steadied the side with a composed 101-run partnership that shifted the momentum firmly back in their favour.
De Zorzi played fluently and looked set for a half-century before falling for 49, missing the milestone by a single run. His dismissal brought only temporary relief for India as Stubbs continued to accumulate runs with unwavering focus. He found another reliable partner in Wiaan Mulder, adding 82 important runs for the fifth wicket. Their stand frustrated India’s attack, which struggled to break through on a surface offering gradual turn but demanding consistency.
Stubbs’ gritty stay finally ended when Jadeja bowled him, prompting the declaration at 260 for 5 after 78.3 overs. His effort, built on patience and precise shot-selection, ensured South Africa extended their advantage to a virtually insurmountable 549 runs.
With nearly two days left in the match, India face one of their most challenging chases in recent memory. Jaiswal and Rahul walked out under significant pressure, aware that a monumental batting effort is required to keep the contest alive. The closing session of the day marked the beginning of that daunting task, setting the stage for a test of resilience and application against a confident South African
attack.
