Simon Harmer continued his fine show in Guwahati, producing a classic off-spinner’s delivery to remove KL Rahul on Day 4 of the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Harmer flighted the ball outside off, tempted Rahul forward and then spun it sharply from the rough to squeeze between bat and pad and crash into the stumps. Rahul departed for 6 off 29 and India found themselves deeper in trouble with both openers back in the pavilion.
South Africa declared their second innings on 260 for 5, taking a massive lead of 548. Tristan Stubbs top-scored for the visitors with a patient 94 off 180 balls, while Tony de Zorzi (49) and Wiaan Mulder (35*) provided useful support. With this declaration, the Proteas put India under enormous scoreboard pressure in the final innings.
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On the bowling front, Ravindra Jadeja led India’s attack with four wickets, and Washington Sundar chipped in with one, but the overall bowling effort could not prevent a big South African advantage. Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer had earlier starred in the first innings as well, with Jansen finishing with a match-defining six-for and Harmer supporting with three wickets as South Africa posted 489 in reply.
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Harmer’s dismissal of Rahul underlined the visiting spinners’ control of the game. His ability to vary flight and pace, combined with sharp turns from a good length, made him a constant threat throughout the series. India’s fragile middle order, which capitulated to Marco Jansen’s short-ball barrage in the first innings, was once again tested by disciplined bowling and brilliant fielding.
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Chasing an improbable target of 549, India began their final innings in testing fashion, reduced to 27 for 2 with Sai Sudharsan and Kuldeep Yadav at the crease. The task ahead is monumental, and the home side will need a near-heroic effort from their batsmen to salvage a draw or snatch an unlikely win. South Africa, despite the lead, chose not to enforce the follow-on, instead piling runs to press advantage.
