The Indus Zone Tech Desk | Published: Nov 24, 2025 | IND vs SA 2nd Test, Day 3
South Africa tightened their grip on the Guwahati Test with a commanding all-round show on Day 3, putting India under immense pressure and edging closer to a rare Test series win on Indian soil. With India bowled out for 201 and South Africa cruising at 26/0 in their second innings, the visitors now hold a massive 314-run lead with two days left.
⭐ Jansen’s Brilliant Spell Leaves India Shell-Shocked
South African pace sensation Marco Jansen produced one of the finest fast-bowling spells seen in India, finishing with 6/48. After scoring 93 in the first innings, the tall left-armer returned to decimate India with a barrage of steep, well-directed short balls.
Jansen’s bounce proved too hot for India’s middle and lower order:
His bouncers removed Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Reddy and Jasprit Bumrah.
He dismissed India’s top performer of the series, Yashasvi Jaiswal, with a sharp catch off a delivery that stopped on the surface.
His spell of 8 overs, 1 maiden, 18 runs, 4 wickets shattered India’s hopes of recovering from a solid start.
Jansen has now taken the most wickets via bouncers in a single Test innings in India since ball-by-ball data started—an extraordinary feat on a pitch that wasn’t offering natural lift.
🇮🇳 India Collapse After a Promising Start
India began the day confidently at 65/0 but unravelled quickly as South Africa applied pressure through their spinners and then Jansen’s pace.
Key moments in India’s collapse:
KL Rahul was undone by a clever slower ball from Keshav Maharaj.
Jaiswal (58) looked composed until an awkward delivery from Simon Harmer forced a mis-hit.
Sai Sudharsan played a couple of superb drives but fell trying to play against the turn.
Rishabh Pant, in his first innings as Test captain, perished while attempting an aggressive charge at Jansen.
India crashed from 95/1 to 122/7, losing the last six wickets for just 79 runs.
🏏 Washington Sundar & Kuldeep Yadav Offer Resistance
On a day when most Indian batters struggled to apply themselves, Washington Sundar (48) and Kuldeep Yadav (19 off 134 balls) provided some fight. The pair added 72 valuable runs, showing that the pitch wasn’t unplayable.
Sundar combined solid defence with timely attacking strokes.
Kuldeep played the longest Test innings of his career, frustrating South Africa for more than an hour.
However, Harmer eventually ended Sundar’s stay with a classic off-break, and Jansen returned to wipe out the tail.
🇿🇦 South Africa Decline Follow-On, Build A Huge Lead
With a 288-run cushion, South Africa chose not to enforce the follow-on.
Openers Ryan Rickelton (13)* and Aiden Markram (12)* looked assured before stumps, stretching the lead beyond 300.
India did create one chance—Jasprit Bumrah induced an edge early—but it flew wide of the slips, summing up India’s frustrating day in the field.
🔍 India Stare at Another Home Series Defeat
India have lost only one home Test series in the last 12 years, but South Africa now stand on the brink of handing them their second in 12 months.
India’s concerns:
Middle order lacking experience and consistency.
Over-reliance on Jaiswal for runs.
Inability to tackle sustained short-pitched bowling.
South Africa dominating with both bat and ball.
With a deteriorating pitch and a huge mountain to climb, India’s chances of saving this Test appear slim.
