Strong Start for South Africa
On Saturday, during the first Test match between India and South Africa in Guwahati, an impressive 82-run partnership unfolded between openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, concluding the first session with South Africa at 82/1 as they headed into tea, with Rickelton remaining not out at 35.
Proteas’ Opening Partnership
Choosing to bat first, South Africa capitalized on some early extras from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who conceded byes in the initial overs. Despite these extras, both bowlers maintained tight lines, allowing Markram only a single boundary each in the first ten overs, leaving South Africa at 26 without losing a wicket.
Rickelton’s two consecutive boundaries against Siraj marked a positive start for the Proteas, bringing their score to 34 at the end of the first hour.
Following the drinks break, runs began to flow more freely as Rickelton struck boundaries against Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, helping South Africa surpass the 50-run mark in 16.1 overs.
In the 17th over, Markram applied pressure on the young bowler Nitish, hitting two fours—one through fine leg and another through extra cover.
The opening pair continued to score against spin, propelling South Africa into the 70s without losing a wicket, leaving India struggling to find a solution to their solid technique.
Bumrah breaks the partnership
Jasprit Bumrah finally broke the deadlock for India, dismissing Markram by hitting his middle stump after he scored 38 runs off 81 balls, including five boundaries. At this point, South Africa stood at 82/1 in 26.5 overs, and tea was taken.
Match Overview and Series Implications
South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first in this crucial second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
India finds itself trailing 1-0 in the series, making this match vital to avoid consecutive series losses. They are currently on a four-match losing streak at home against teams like South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia, having faced a historic whitewash by New Zealand last year.
This Test also marks a significant occasion as it is the first-ever Test match held in Guwahati.
Playing XIs
India (Playing XI): KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma(c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj.
