India struck a crucial blow in the post-lunch session as Ravindra Jadeja removed South Africa captain Temba Bavuma in a game-changing moment, thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brilliant efforts on Day 1 of the ongoing second and final Test in Guwahati.
Temba Bavuma had started showing more aggression after lunch, looking to attack Ravindra Jadeja, but that intent led him straight into trouble. In the 59th over of the Proteas innings, Jadeja bowled a carefully tossed-up delivery around off stump, tempting Bavuma to attack.
Yashasvi Jaiswal pulls off a diving catch as Ravindra Jadeja removes Temba Bavuma
And the South African captain tried to step out and loft the ball over the infield, aiming for deep mid-off. But Bavuma edged it off the inner half of the bat straight to Yashasvi Jaiswal. The Indian opener was perfectly positioned at the boundary and took a brilliant diving catch.
Temba Bavuma was out for 41 runs off 92 balls, ending what had been the highest partnership of the series so far-a strong 84-run stand with Tristan Stubbs. He had battled through 92 balls for 41 runs and hit five boundaries, but Jadeja’s clever bowling and Jaiswal’s sharp fielding ruined all his efforts.
With this wicket, India broke a crucial partnership of 84 runs between Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs and put South Africa on the back foot in the ongoing final Test in Guwahati.
Kuldeep Yadav shines as India tightens grip on South Africa in Guwahati Test
Meanwhile, India’s star wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed his third wicket by dismissing Wiaan Mulder for 13 on Day 1 of the ongoing final Test in Guwahati. Before removing Mulder, Kuldeep troubled the Proteas batters with his spin and removed Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton.
While the Indian bowlers are slowly regaining control, targeting further breakthroughs to keep South Africa under pressure, Senuran Muthuswamy (9*) and Tony de Zorzi (18*) are currently holding South Africa’s innings together after the top-order collapses in Guwahati.
The Proteas had initially steadied the innings following early setbacks, but India’s attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep, brought them back into the game. Bumrah took a key wicket in the first session, while Kuldeep and Jadeja combined to provide successive breakthroughs, ensuring South Africa could not build big partnerships in the must-win game.
Rishabh Pant becomes India’s 38th Test captain
Earlier, India’s stand-in captain Rishabh Pant lost the toss, as Temba Bavuma opted to bat first in Guwahati. Pant became the 38th captain to lead India in Tests and only the second wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni to do so. They made two changes, bringing back Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sai Sudharsan, as the captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of the game due to a neck injury.
Axar Patel made way for Reddy, while Sai came for Gill. On the other hand, South Africa replaced Corbin Bosch with spinner Senuran Muthuswamy. Currently, South Africa’s score reads 225/5, with Kuldeep taking three wickets in Guwahati.