Marco Jansen delivered a devastating bowling performance, claiming 6-48, as South Africa dismantled India for a mere 201 on the third day of the second Test in Guwahati. This dominant display followed South Africa's imposing first innings total of 489, leaving India facing a daunting 288-run deficit.
The Proteas, showing no signs of complacency, opted not to enforce the follow-on and added a further 26 runs without loss, extending their overall lead to a commanding 314. With two days remaining, South Africa appears poised to secure a victory and clinch the series 2-0, following their 30-run triumph in the first Test at Eden Gardens.
Jansen's All-Round Brilliance
This marks Jansen's fourth five-wicket haul, adding to his career-best 93 with the bat in the first innings. This all-round performance has made the Guwahati Test a truly memorable one for the talented all-rounder.
India's batting woes continued as they resumed on 9-0. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal showed some resistance with a well-played 58 before falling victim to Jansen's bowling, caught by Simon Harmer. However, a dramatic collapse saw India slump from 102-3 to 122-7, with Jansen wreaking havoc through the middle order.
Brief Resistance from Sundar and Yadav
Washington Sundar (48) and Kuldeep Yadav (19) offered some resistance with a slow-scoring 72-run partnership. However, Sundar eventually edged a Harmer delivery, becoming one of five catches taken by Aiden Markram. Jansen then returned to dismiss Kuldeep and Jasprit Bumrah, wrapping up the Indian innings.
India's recent home form has been patchy. After going 12 years without losing a Test series at home, they suffered a 3-0 defeat to New Zealand last year. While they managed a 2-0 victory against the West Indies in October, a loss in this series would mark their second home defeat in just over a year. The Proteas, led by Jansen's brilliance, are firmly in control and look set to inflict that defeat.