IND vs SA 2nd Test Full Scorecard & Match Analysis

IND vs SA 2nd Test Full Scorecard & Match Analysis

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India vs South Africa 2nd Test – A Series Decider in Guwahati

The two-match Test series between India and South Africa culminates on Saturday, November 22, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The fixture has been transformed into a must-win, do-or-die affair for the hosts following a shocking 30-run defeat in the series opener at Eden Gardens. With South Africa leading 1-0 and seeking their first Test series victory in India since 2000, all eyes are on an Indian team struggling with both form and fitness.

The Kolkata Catastrophe: A Troubling Prelude

The 1st Test in Kolkata was a low-scoring spectacle that ended inside three days, raising serious questions about the Indian team’s ability to handle high-quality spin on their preferred turning tracks. Chasing a seemingly modest target of 124, India collapsed to 93 all out, marking a rare and embarrassing defeat in home conditions.

The match was defined by the relentless accuracy of South African off-spinner Simon Harmer, who claimed a decisive 8-wicket haul for the match (4/30 and 4/21). His ability to extract uneven bounce and turn proved too much for the Indian batting line-up, which has now suffered four home defeats inside three days in the last two World Test Championship cycles. The loss also placed an unwanted record beside the game, as it was the first time in India that all four innings of a Test saw both teams bowled out for under 200.

The only real batting resistance came from South African captain Temba Bavuma, whose gritty, unbeaten knock of 55 in the second innings was the sole half-century of the match, proving that application and determination could still yield runs on the challenging surface.

India’s Daunting Challenges Ahead of Guwahati

Heading to Guwahati, India faces two major hurdles: an injury crisis and a batting crisis.

1. Injury and Selection Headaches

The biggest blow is the likely absence of captain Shubman Gill, who sustained a neck injury in the 1st Test and had to be rushed to the hospital, missing the entire second innings chase. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant is expected to lead the side in his place, adding pressure to his dual role as wicketkeeper and captain. The team management will now have to choose between young talents like Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal to fill the crucial opening or number four position left vacant by Gill.

2. The Batting Woes

The core problem remains the fragility of the batting unit against visiting spin. Experts, including former India players, have been vocal in criticising the modern Indian batters for lacking the traditional footwork and soft hands required on spinning tracks.  The team’s failure to chase 124, even with Shubman Gill retired hurt, exposed a deep-seated vulnerability that the coaches and selectors must address immediately if they are to level the series.

The Proteas’ Momentum and Key Players

South Africa, the current World Test Champions, come into the 2nd Test riding a wave of confidence. Their captain, Temba Bavuma, is yet to lose a Test as the leader, with the Kolkata victory being his 10th win in 11 Tests. Their strategy, centered on pace from Marco Jansen (who was excellent with 2/15 in the 2nd innings) and the high-class spin of Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, proved lethal.

IND vs SA 2nd Test Full Scorecard & Match Analysis

The key for South Africa in Guwahati will be maintaining that discipline and allowing their spinners to exploit the surface, whatever its nature. They know India will be desperate to prepare a surface that aids their own spinners, but the first Test showed that the Proteas are now equally adept at turning the tables.

The stage is set for a thrilling series finale at the Barsapara Stadium. India must regroup, sort out their batting order, and find a way to neutralise the threat posed by Simon Harmer if they hope to prevent a historic series defeat. The pressure is firmly on the home side to deliver a performance worthy of their reputation as the second-ranked Test nation.