South Africa Extend Lead to 395 as Jadeja and Sundar Extract Sharp Turn on Day 4 in Guwahati
Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar via The Hindu
Guwahati, Nov 25 — South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test against India by stretching their overall lead to 395 runs at tea on Day 4, finishing the session at 107 for 3 in 40 overs. The visitors, already ahead comfortably, added to India’s concerns with a disciplined batting effort combined with alarming signs from the surface — significant turn and grip for spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, both of whom are not typically known to extract vicious turn this early in a match.
The afternoon session provided a telling preview of what India’s batters might face in the final innings. The top soil has begun to wear visibly, the cracks have started to widen, and the bounce has become unpredictable — all of which foreshadow a tough battle for the hosts as they look to save the Test and avoid a series setback.
Key Moments
South Africa’s Steady Start
Openers Ryan Rickleton and Aiden Markram continued their promising form, putting on another half-century stand. Rickleton’s measured 35 off 64 balls and Markram’s gritty 29 off 84 helped blunt the new ball, frustrating the Indian pace attack, which struggled for assistance on the increasingly spin-friendly pitch.
Jadeja’s Double Strike
India’s breakthrough came through Ravindra Jadeja, who first removed Rickleton with a smart piece of bowling. The left-hander advanced down the track for an inside-out loft but failed to clear the infield, offering Mohammed Siraj a sharp chance that he timed perfectly.
Jadeja’s second wicket was the highlight of the session — a classical left-arm orthodox delivery to dismiss Markram. Tossed slightly slower and inviting the defensive prod, the ball gripped the surface, turned sharply past the bat, and clipped the off stump.
The dismissal showcased Jadeja’s drift, flight, and revving revolutions on a pitch beginning to break apart, signalling ominous signs for the Indian top order.
Washington Sundar Joins the Act
Washington Sundar, steadily growing into a pivotal figure in India’s attack, delivered another important blow by removing South African captain Temba Bavuma for just 3. A well-directed delivery in the leg-middle channel kicked up unexpectedly, brushing the glove and flying towards Nitish Kumar Reddy at leg-slip.
Sundar’s ability to generate lift and deviation despite his reputation as a flatter, economical bowler further emphasised the deterioration of the surface.
Stubbs–de Zorzi Stand Stabilises Proteas
At tea, Tony de Zorzi (21)* and Tristan Stubbs (14)* were holding firm. Stubbs continued his dogged approach, denying India any hints of momentum, while de Zorzi showed positive intent — lofting Sundar for a six over long-on. Their partnership, though steady, threatened to push South Africa toward a match-defining lead.
Reactions
Though formal post-session comments were not released, team sources from the Indian camp privately expressed concerns about the pitch’s sudden behaviour. A senior support staff member reportedly observed that “the turn has come far earlier than expected,” adding that “India’s fourth-innings challenge will require exceptional discipline.”
Meanwhile, a South African team analyst remarked that the pitch was “beginning to reward consistent spin,” suggesting that their own spinners may play a decisive role should they need to bowl India out on the final day.
Cricket experts following the match noted on broadcast that Jadeja’s sharp turn was “an early warning sign,” with the panel agreeing that the Indian batters will face a daunting chase or survival test.
Impact
South Africa entering the tea break with a near-400-run lead places them in a commanding position to push for victory. The rapidly wearing pitch could make even a target of 250 extremely challenging, making 395 almost insurmountable unless India produce a discipline-first batting masterclass.
Historically, India have struggled in fourth-innings chases above 300 outside their spin-dominant home venues. The Guwahati surface, with its uneven bounce and expanding cracks, may challenge India’s footwork, judgement, and mental resilience.
Spinners extracting turn this early in the innings typically indicates that the final day could favour the bowling side heavily. If South Africa bat another 15–20 overs and stretch their lead beyond 450, the match — and possibly the series momentum — may slip firmly out of India’s control.
Conclusion
With South Africa reaching tea at 107/3 and leading by almost 400, the match has swung firmly in their favour. Jadeja and Sundar showed that the pitch has deteriorated sharply, raising concerns for India’s final-innings prospects. The evening session and South Africa’s batting tempo will determine whether India face a monumental chase or a battle for survival on a crumbling Guwahati track.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The fourth day in Guwahati has tilted the Test heavily toward South Africa, with their 395-run lead and the pitch’s unpredictable behaviour posing a major challenge for India. Jadeja and Sundar provided moments of brilliance, but the real test begins when India take guard in the final innings. With the series momentum at stake, the final phase of this Test promises to be a gripping battle of grit, technique, and temperament.