South Africa lead India by 63 runs on Day 2 of the 1st Test in Kolkata. Get the latest score, match highlights, and ball-by-ball commentary as spin dominates the Proteas’ second innings

day 2 Total Score: 93/7 in 35.0 overs south Africa

🇮🇳 India 1st Innings (All Out for 189)

South Africa Lead by 63, But India Hold the Aces

Kolkata, November 15, 2025 – Day Two of the 1st Test between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens was a relentless exhibition of disciplined bowling and a dramatically deteriorating pitch. The day ended with South Africa limping to 93 for 7 in their second innings, clutching a precarious 63-run lead. While the slender advantage belongs to the visitors, the overwhelming momentum lies with India, thanks to a sensational spell of spin bowling that ripped through the Proteas’ middle order.

The day began with India on 37 for 1, looking to build a commanding lead after Jasprit Bumrah’s first-day heroics had bundled South Africa out for just 159. However, the South African spinners had other ideas. Off-spinner Simon Harmer, who had bowled with control late on Day One, was the first to strike, breaking a solid partnership between KL Rahul and Washington Sundar. Harmer would go on to be the wrecker-in-chief, finishing with four wickets as India’s innings struggled to gain traction.

India’s Fragile Lead: The Rahul Anchor

India’s batting efforts were hindered not just by the challenging surface and accurate bowling but also by the unfortunate loss of captain Shubman Gill, who had to retire hurt due to a neck spasm and did not return to the crease. The onus fell on KL Rahul, who continued his composed innings, top-scoring with a patient 39. Rahul’s resistance, along with an aggressive cameo of 27 from Rishabh Pant, helped India inch past the South African total.

However, the late-morning session belonged entirely to the South African attack. Marco Jansen’s nagging line-and-length earned him three crucial wickets, complementing Harmer’s four-wicket haul. India’s lower order crumbled quickly, turning a potentially sizeable lead into a narrow margin of just 30 runs, as they were all out for 189. At lunch, the match was finely poised, but few could have predicted the chaos that would unfold in the post-lunch sessions.

The Ravindra Jadeja Show

If Day One belonged to Bumrah, Day Two was about the spin wizardry of Ravindra Jadeja. The left-arm orthodox spinner transformed the game with a devastating spell that exploited every crack and puff of dust on the Kolkata wicket. South Africa’s second innings started in tentative fashion, and it wasn’t long before the wickets began to tumble.

Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav hunted in a pack, making stroke-play a dangerous proposition. Jadeja was utterly ruthless, trapping Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi in quick succession with balls that either spat off the surface or skidded low. His four-wicket haul showcased his mastery in Indian conditions, dismantling the Proteas’ top and middle order with surgical precision. Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with two vital wickets, including the dismissal of the dangerous Marco Jansen late in the day.

Bavuma’s Stubborn Resistance

By the time the final hour arrived, South Africa found themselves in desperate straits at 84 for 6. Their minuscule lead of just 54 runs was a clear reflection of their struggle against the spinning ball. The only bright spark for the tourists was their captain, Temba Bavuma, who exhibited exceptional grit and technique.

Bavuma, unbeaten on 29 (off 78 balls) at stumps, was the solitary figure standing firm amidst the wreckage. His stubborn defence and occasional boundaries against the turn were a testament to his determination to keep his team in the contest. He was joined by Corbin Bosch (1*), and the pair had the unenviable task of seeing off the final overs of the day against relentless pressure from the Indian spinners.

The Battle for Day Three

The 63-run lead is barely a score to defend on this challenging pitch. With only three wickets in hand, South Africa’s goal on Day Three will be to scrape together another 40 to 50 runs to give their bowlers a target of around 110-120. Axar Patel hinted that a target under 125 would be “chaseable,” but on a surface that has seen 16 wickets fall on Day Two alone, anything over 100 will pose a serious question to the Indian batting line-up in the fourth innings.

The game is hurtling towards a swift conclusion, likely on Day Three. South Africa needs an extraordinary effort from their tail to set a respectable target, while India will be confident that their spin trio can wrap up the innings quickly on Saturday morning, setting the stage for a tense but potentially match-winning chase.

South Africa lead India by 63 runs