Proteas Set Staggering Target in Second Test Against India
Guwahati, India - South Africa have put India on the back foot in the second Test match after posting a formidable total of 489 on day two. Senuran Muthusamy's maiden Test century and a blistering 93 from Marco Jansen have given the Proteas a commanding lead, leaving the hosts facing an uphill battle to avoid a series defeat.
Muthusamy, resuming on 25, displayed remarkable patience and technique, grinding down the Indian bowlers and forming crucial partnerships. His innings of 109, compiled from 209 deliveries, included 10 fours and two sixes. Jansen, on the other hand, provided the fireworks, smashing seven sixes in his career-best knock of 93 from just 91 balls.
Key Partnerships Frustrate India
The partnership between Muthusamy and Verreynne added 88 runs, while the stand with Jansen yielded a further 97, frustrating the Indian bowlers and extending South Africa's dominance.
India's reply was cut short by bad light, reaching 9-0 in just 6.1 overs. The pressure is now on the Indian batsmen to produce a significant innings to stay in the game.
Can India Bounce Back?
After losing the first Test in Kolkata, India is under immense pressure to level the series. However, the Proteas' imposing total presents a daunting challenge. History is also against India, as no team has ever lost a Test match in India after scoring as many runs in the first innings.
- South Africa: 489 (Muthusamy 109, Jansen 93; Kuldeep 4-115)
- India: 9-0 (Jaiswal 7*)
Will India be able to defy the odds and mount a successful comeback? Stay tuned for more updates!