South Africa closed 247/6 on Day 1 of the 2nd Test at Guwahatistruggles through a difficult spell Indiastrong bowling attack. After opting to bat first, the proteas faced a strong spin condition led by him Ravindra jadeja and Kuldeep Yadavwhile Muhammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah disciplined pace support in case.
Despite losing key wickets at regular intervals, South Africa managed to build a storming partnership and weather conditions. The day saw a mix of solid defensive play and aggressive counter-attacks, but after the day, India got a firm grip on the hosts, hoping to capitalize on the spinner pair on Day 2. Last batting pair Senuran Muthusamy (25 *) and Kyle Verreyne (1 *) survived the final stages, ensuring South Africa have a platform to build on as they aim to reach a competitive edge in future sessions.
South Africa’s top order is off to a solid start
South Africa’s top order gave the visitors a promising start Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton ensuring stability and preventing premature collapse. Markram, known for his long bat and good touch, faced Rickelton, who played 81 balls for 38 runs, with good touch, 82 balls for 35 runs to secure his place. The opening pair play cautiously with both matches being put on 82 runs before the first wicket falls, but ensure the scoreboard is hit. Markram, Rickelton, Rickelton, Duo defended strongly as they laid a solid foundation for the middle order. This partnership was important for South Africa as they know we have progressed to a pitch that can make it difficult to recover on a pitch that is charged with losing early wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav strikes again as South Africa lose key wickets
When did the pivotal moment come? Kuldeep YadavIndia’s leading spinner turned the match around with a brilliant spell on his side’s side, a brilliant spell that saw him claim three key wickets. The first was Rickelton, whose promising shots ended when he was caught behind Rishabh pants off kuldeep’s flight. The left-arm morale then struck again to dismiss Tristan Stubbs49 which appear to be solid in their demolition.
Stubbs’ dismissal halted the south African’s progress as a partnership with Bavuma. The drop of key players left the middle order under pressure and Bavuma’s vital scalp off Cadeja proved to be the turning point. At 166/3, the proteas were in a strong position but relentless pressure from India’s spinners made them repeat themselves. KulDeep’s handling and ability to produce sharp turns became increasingly difficult for the South African bowlers.
See also: HND VS SA: Jasprit Bumrah stumps Aiden Markram for a peach on Day 1 of Guwahati Test
Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs bounce back between the Spin Barrage
Despite early progress, Temba Bavuma and provided the roots with much-needed contrast. Bavuma closed the innings with his composed approach and ensured that the Proteas did not collapse under pressure. His 41 runs came off 92 balls and while he wasn’t looking for quick runs, his solid defense and occasional aggressive shots hit the scoreboard.
Roots, known for his attacking style, matches Bavuma with some positive stroke play, hitting 49, which includes two sixes. Their partnership was a breath of fresh air as they put together an 85-run stand for the third wicket. Stubbs was set to continue but the pressure from India’s spinners mounted and when Bavuma fell to Cadeja, it was a clear sign that India’s spinners were dominating. Stubbs’ dismissal meant that South Africa lost two crucial wickets in quick succession, making it difficult for them to assert themselves in the match.
HND VS SA: Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne, India close the shield
As the day drew to a close, the lower-order partnership between Muthusamy and Verreynne was pivotal in ensuring South Africa did not lose ground further. Muthusamy played a patient knock, facing 45 balls for 25* and putting up a lot of resistance to be in the latter stages of the day. Verreynne, despite facing limited supplies, managed to hold the fort and hit the scoreboard.
The Proteas managed to get off the stumps, ending the days at a respectable 247/6. While the partnership between Muthusamy and Verreynne provides some stability, South Africa will still be worried about the position they find themselves in. But if MuthUsamy can hold his own in the morning session, he can make a valuable contribution to make the proteas a competitive side.
Here is the reaction of the fans:
After losing only 2 wickets when he was 160, Team India returned from Team India. Kuldeep Yadav was brilliant.
– Irfan Pathan (@irfanpathan) November 22, 2025
All the fights that take a set and no one makes it into anything significant#Indvsa
– Werner (@werries_) November 22, 2025
Tristan Stubbs closes in on 39 for 39, leaving the ball alone but not making it difficult #Proteas All the first four batsmen got off to a good start, but none crossed the fifty #Indvsa #Cricket pic.twitter.com/3ujejyb5pw
— Christopher (@Christo7974616) November 22, 2025
Tristan Stubbs closes in on 39 for 39, leaving the ball alone but not making it difficult #Proteas All the first four batsmen got off to a good start, but none crossed the fifty #Indvsa #Cricket pic.twitter.com/3ujejyb5pw
— Christopher (@Christo7974616) November 22, 2025
Why do umpires always say that is enough and call the stumps after falling on a wicket? A few balls for Zorzi, it will still be sunk tomorrow. #Indvsa
– Gaurav Jindal (@gj100596) November 22, 2025
India – South Africa and the vibes are spicy.
Both teams are swinging, both teams are stumbling and the match is a spell away from slipping away again.
Peak Chaos Cricket Just the way we like it. 🔥🇮🇳🇿🇦 #Indvsa– Anand Shukla | Cricket | Politics (@unsubtledesilad) November 22, 2025
TDZ at 247-6 last day at 247-6, last out till 28
SA’s batting selection was disappointing today#Indvsa
– thepoppingcreassa (@poppingcreassa) November 22, 2025
Senuran BRO can BAT !! Correct 👌#Crickettwitter
– Lawrence Bailey 🇿🇦 (@lourrencencawa) November 22, 2025
Stubbs goes down the track in up to 10.6% of deliveries against spinners in Tests. Of the 41 SA batsmen with more than 150 wickets, only AB de Villiers has done so in 11% more
(Cricbuzz) pic.twitter.com/aejzoqegqh– RCB Xtra (@rcb_xtra) November 22, 2025
🏏 Day 1 at stumps – South Africa 247/6 🏏
Tristan Stubbs 49* while Kuldeep Yadav took 3/48.
South Africa in a solid position at stumps on Day 1 in Guwahati! 🇿🇦💥
Weapon: https://t.co/c0uc6kk9dll#Cricket #Indvsa #cricket #guwahati #est pic.twitter.com/5mrbrno3cc
– CricketTimes.com (@crickettimeshq) November 22, 2025
Read: South Africa announce white-ball squads for tour of India; Anrich Nortje returns in the T20IS
