India is challenged to secure victory against South Africa in their ongoing Test series to prevent a second home defeat. After the completion of day two in Guwahati, South Africa posted an imposing total of 489 runs. This performance has placed India in a precarious position as they strive to avoid a series loss.
Key Performances by South Africa
Senuran Muthusamy achieved his maiden Test century, scoring 109 runs off 206 balls. He was supported by Marco Jansen, who nearly reached his century, contributing a career-best score of 93 runs from 91 balls. Their efforts were pivotal in frustrating the Indian bowlers.
Standout Partnerships
- Muthusamy shared an 88-run partnership with Kyle Verreynne.
- He also formed a 97-run alliance with Marco Jansen.
Historic Context of the Match
No team has scored as many runs in the first innings of a Test match in India and subsequently lost the game. This statistic adds to the pressure on the Indian team to perform in their second innings.
India’s Previous Series Performance
India experienced a significant setback last year, losing a home Test series 0-3 to New Zealand. They did manage a 2-0 victory over the West Indies in October; however, failing to win this Test would result in a second defeat at home in just over a year.
Challenges Ahead
In the early stages of their reply, India faced an additional hurdle when umpires interrupted play due to bad light. At that moment, they were yet to score, sitting at 9 runs without loss after 6.1 overs.
As the series continues, all eyes will be on India as they seek to turn the tide against South Africa and avoid further embarrassment at home.
