South Africa’s Gritty Stand Puts India Under Pressure in Guwahati
So, the story unfolding in Guwahati right now feels like one of those classic test-match battles where discipline slowly turns into frustration for the opposition. On Day 2 of the second Test, India found themselves grinding hard for a breakthrough, only to watch South Africa’s lower middle order quietly take control. And at the centre of it all was a stubborn, unbroken partnership featuring Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne — a stand that really shifted the tone of the morning.
South Africa resumed the day at 247 for 6, and with India eyeing a quick wrap-up, the expectation was that the lower order would crumble under pressure. But that script was completely rewritten. Muthusamy and Verreynne settled in right from the first over of the morning, playing with a calmness that suggested they were in no hurry at all. On a pitch that looked flatter and friendlier than what India would’ve hoped for, the duo absorbed everything India threw at them.
Also Read:By the time tea arrived — which, interestingly, had been swapped with the longer lunch break because of concerns over fading light later in the day — the partnership had swelled to 70 runs. Muthusamy stood firm on 56 not out, and Verreynne quietly supported him with an unbeaten 38. What made it even more impressive was that they batted through an entire 30-over session without giving India a real sniff.
There was one moment, though, when India thought they finally had their breakthrough. Ravindra Jadeja trapped Muthusamy in front when he was on 48, and it looked like the wicket India desperately needed. But a review showed the faintest glove touch, just enough to overturn the decision and keep the batter alive — a big let-off that only deepened India’s frustration. Jadeja, who had been tidy with figures of 1 for 47, could do little but walk back shaking his head.
This resistance also came after India seemed to gain momentum late on Day 1. Kuldeep Yadav, bowling with great rhythm, had picked up 3 for 48, and stand-in captain Rishabh Pant looked like he had the match flowing back in India’s direction after South Africa opted to bat first. Tristan Stubbs had top-scored with 49, but the Proteas lost four wickets in the final session yesterday, handing India a chance to tighten their grip. Bad light ended play early, but the momentum was clearly on India’s side — at least until this morning.
Now, with South Africa already having won the first Test in Kolkata and chasing a rare series victory in India, this partnership could prove crucial. The Proteas haven’t won a Test series on Indian soil since 2000–01, and stands like this show exactly why they’re pushing hard to change that history.
It’s shaping into a gripping contest — the kind of slow-burn tension that Test cricket delivers best.
Read More:
0 Comments