India vs South Africa Kolkata Test moved sharply on Day 2 as India slipped from a steady position to 189/9 under relentless pressure from Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen. India secured only a 30-run lead, and South Africa reached 18/1 at tea, still 12 runs behind.
India began the session at 138/4, but the innings broke apart soon after. Dhruv Jurel opened aggressively with two boundaries, and Jadeja pushed India past 150. The stand ended when Harmer dismissed Jurel for 14 with a sharp catch-and-bowled. Harmer then removed Jadeja for 27, triggering another slide. At 171/6, India looked vulnerable. Marco Jansen added more trouble by removing Kuldeep Yadav for 1. India’s tail could not recover, and Axar Patel was the last batter out for 16.
Shubman Gill did not bat because of a neck spasm.
Harmer finished with 4/30, while Jansen delivered 3/35, both central to India’s collapse. Maharaj and Bosch picked one wicket each. South Africa’s bowlers kept tight lines and never allowed India long partnerships.
South Africa entered their second innings needing stability, but they stumbled late when Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Rickelton for 11 on the final ball before tea. The visitors closed at 18/1 in 6.4 overs, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 3.
India Lose Momentum After a Steady Start
India resumed the morning on 37/1, trailing by 122. KL Rahul and Washington Sundar focused on survival against Jansen and Maharaj. Sundar broke the pressure with a four and a six, but Simon Harmer changed the session. He removed Sundar for an 82-ball 29 after a 57-run stand. India fell to 75/2.
Shubman Gill arrived but soon retired hurt after feeling discomfort in his neck. Rishabh Pant entered and survived a dropped catch from Markram that went for four. On the next ball, he launched Maharaj for a six, bringing up India’s 100 in 37.4 overs.
India suffered a big blow when KL Rahul edged to Markram for 39 off 119 balls. The scoreboard read 109/3. Pant continued to counterattack, smashing another six and a reverse sweep for four. But his cameo ended when Corbin Bosch bowled a sharp, rising delivery that Pant gloved to the keeper. His 27 off 24 balls pushed India briefly, but the wicket halted the momentum. The first session ended with India at 132/4.
Bumrah’s Five-Wicket Burst on Day One Set Early Tone
On Day 1, South Africa opted to bat and made a brisk start with a 50-run partnership between Aiden Markram (31) and Ryan Rickelton (23). India’s fast bowlers soon took charge. Jasprit Bumrah produced a brilliant spell, picking 5/27, while Mohammed Siraj backed him well with 2/47. South Africa folded for 159. India ended the opening day at 37/1, with Jaiswal dismissed for 12 by Marco Jansen.
The Kolkata Test remains in balance as both teams search for momentum heading into the final stages.
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