South Africa lead by 489 runs against India on Day 2

South Africa lead by 489 All Out: Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden ton and Marco Jansen’s 93-run blitz give South Africa a massive 489-run lead over India on Day 2 of the 2nd Test.

Muthusamy’s Maiden Century, Jansen’s Blitzkrieg Punish India; South Africa Post Mammoth 489 on Day 2

Guwahati, November 23, 2025: Sportzons.com—South Africa delivered a comprehensive batting masterclass on Day 2 of the second Test in Guwahati, turning what began as a competitive first innings into a statement of dominance. Resuming at 247/6, the Proteas piled on an astonishing 242 runs to be finally bowled out for a formidable 489, thereby setting India an immense challenge and taking a commanding grip on this crucial contest.

The day’s narrative was defined by an unbroken, stubborn resistance in the morning followed by an aggressive lower-order counter-attack, which utterly deflated the Indian bowling unit. The hosts, who were looking to wrap up the innings quickly, were instead made to toil for over two sessions by a determined South African tail.

The Grinding First Session: Muthusamy and Verreynne Anchor

The morning session was a testament to patience and discipline, something the South African top order often lacked on Day 1. The overnight pair of Senuran Muthusamy (batting on 56) and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne (38) successfully neutralised the threat posed by India’s frontline pace and spin attack. Muthusamy, a late addition to the side, showed impeccable defensive technique, especially against the spin of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, rarely offering a chance. The duo added a frustrating 88 runs for the seventh wicket, ensuring the first session was wicketless—a significant win for the visitors.

The partnership was eventually broken shortly after the drinks break when Jadeja induced Verreynne (45 off 122 balls) to step out, resulting in a smart stumping by captain Rishabh Pant. The breakthrough, however, brought little relief.

Maiden Ton and a Jansen Tsunami

The period between lunch and tea saw South Africa switch gears dramatically. Muthusamy, now joined by the lanky all-rounder Marco Jansen, found a partner capable of fearless aggression. The left-handed Muthusamy continued his composed work, bringing up a richly deserved maiden Test century off 192 balls, a gritty knock that defined the team’s resurgence.

Jansen, on the other hand, launched a brutal assault on the tired Indian bowlers. He was particularly harsh on Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, using his long levers to crash boundaries and sixes. The duo put on a whirlwind 94-run stand for the eighth wicket, scoring at a rapid pace that shredded India’s hopes of limiting the total. Jansen reached his half-century off just 53 balls, transforming the pace of the game.

India’s Late Fight and the Final Total

India’s quest for the final wickets finally bore fruit late in the post-lunch session. Mohammed Siraj found the edge of Muthusamy’s bat with a short ball, ending his marathon innings at 109 runs (206 balls). Jasprit Bumrah then removed Simon Harmer (5) to expose the last two wickets.

However, Jansen, now partnered by Keshav Maharaj, did not slow down. He continued his boundary-hitting spree, smashing a remarkable total of 7 sixes in his innings—equalling the South African record for most sixes in a Test innings. The possibility of a maiden Test century was snatched away, though, when Jansen, on a career-best 93 (90 balls), inside-edged a Kuldeep Yadav googly onto his stumps. The dismissal brought South Africa’s monumental effort to a close at 489 all out in 151.1 overs.

Bowling Summary

For India, the bowlers endured a challenging day on a pitch that flattened out considerably. Kuldeep Yadav finished as the most successful bowler, claiming 4/115, but he, too, proved expensive in spells. Jasprit Bumrah (2/72) and Mohammed Siraj (2/89) were persistent, but the flat conditions severely limited the impact of the pace battery.

South Africa’s huge first-innings total has placed a mountainous task before the Indian batsmen. With a crucial 489-run lead in the bank, the visitors have seized the initiative, leaving India to negotiate a tricky final period on Day 2 before facing a monumental challenge on Day 3.

South Africa 1st Innings Scorecard: (SA 489 All Out)

Highlights from the Scorecard:

       South Africa lead by 489

• Senuran Muthusamy anchored the innings, scoring a fantastic 109 (200 balls).

• Marco Jansen provided the late flourish with a blistering 93 (90 balls).