Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata: India vs South Africa Highlights, 1st Test Day 2: Spinners dominate as Ravindra Jadeja takes four-for; South Africa 93/7 at stumps
India vs South Africa Highlights, 1st Test Day 2: India tightened their grip on the first Test at Eden Gardens as Ravindra Jadeja delivered a spell that shredded South Africa’s batting lineup for a second time in the match. By the close of Day 2, the visitors had slumped to 93 for 7 in their second innings, holding a precarious 63-run lead and staring at a defeat that appears increasingly inevitable.
Jadeja was relentless from the moment he came on, exploiting every ounce of assistance from a surface that had grown lively and unpredictable. His figures of 4 for 29 told only part of the story — he consistently beat South Africa’s batters on length, induced poor strokes, and forced them into survival mode. Aiden Markram was the first to fall, unable to cope with the turn early. Wiaan Mulder then succumbed to a rising delivery that he could barely negotiate. Tony de Zorzi attempted a counter but was undone almost immediately, and Tristan Stubbs lasted only a handful of balls before Jadeja dismantled him as well.
Kuldeep Yadav backed him up superbly, striking twice and keeping the pressure firmly on. South Africa’s middle order offered little stability, and even Marco Jansen’s brief resistance ended with a sharp catch from KL Rahul.
Before India’s bowlers took charge again, the hosts themselves were bowled out for 189. The South African attack of Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer exploited the pitch effectively, sharing seven wickets and ensuring the first-innings difference stayed manageable. KL Rahul’s compact 39 was the standout effort for India, with small but valuable contributions from Pant and Jadeja.
India vs South Africa Highlights, 1st Test Day 2 (India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team): The first Test has moved at a rapid pace with South Africa tottering at 93/7 in 35 overs and an overall lead of 63 runs. The play on Day 2 came to an early end due to bad light. Ravindra Jadeja has taken four wickets while Kuldeep Yadav has two.
Earlier, Simon Harmer picked up a four-fer and Marco Jansen took three wickets as South Africa bounced back to skittle India for 189 on the second day. India took a slim 30-run lead. Shubman Gill, who retired out with neck spasm, didn’t return to bat in India’s first innings. For India, KL Rahul top-scored with 39 off 119.
Stay tuned for all the live action from Day 2 of the India vs South Africa 1st Test at Eden Gardens – live scores, commentary, and key moments as India take on South Africa.