Kolkata: Ravindra Jadeja spun a web around South Africa’s batting line-up to claim four wickets while bowling from the Pavilion End as the visitors were reduced to 93/7 in 35 overs at stumps on Day Two of the first Test at Eden Gardens on Saturday. Although South Africa has a lead of 63 runs, Jadeja’s figures of 4-29 indicate that the match is still finely balanced, particularly after 16 wickets fell on the second day. After dismissing India for 189, with the hosts having a narrow 30-run lead, South Africa seemed to have evened the contest, especially with Shubman Gill absent from the field after retiring hurt for four due to a neck spasm.
However, their batting crumbled under the pressure of quality spin and poor shot selection, granting India the upper hand at the end of the day’s play. The challenging two-paced pitch continues to pose difficulties, with variable bounce and sharp turn complicating batting. While chasing 125 may seem daunting, South Africa would need to nearly double their current lead, which is a tough task on this surface. In the morning, off-spinner Simon Harmer took four wickets as India was bowled out for 189, although the hosts managed a slim 30-run lead.
Similar to South Africa’s first innings on day one, India’s batting was characterized by small contributions and a lack of significant partnerships, with the 57-run stand between KL Rahul and Washington Sundar being the highest. With day three likely to be the final day of this unpredictable match, both India and South Africa still have everything to play for. Brief scores: South Africa 159 and 93/7 in 35 overs (Temba Bavuma 29 not out, Marco Jansen 13; Ravindra Jadeja 4-29, Kuldeep Yadav 2-12) lead India 189 all out in 62.2 overs (KL Rahul 39, Washington Sundar 29; Simon Harmer 4-30, Marco Jansen 3-35) by 63 runs.