SA Dominate with 489, India Staring Down 480-Run Deficit

South Africa tightened their hold on the second Test with a commanding all-round performance on day two, ending the evening with India trailing by a daunting 480 runs. A first-innings total of 489, built on Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden Test hundred and Marco Jansen’s bruising 93, left India clinging on in the final minutes of play at 9 for 0.

Muthusamy and Jansen Grind India Down

South Africa resumed on 247 for 6, but any hope India had of wrapping the innings up quickly vanished within the first hour. Muthusamy and Jansen shut out the early pressure and turned steady starts into a match-shaping partnership. Their stand drained India’s attack and reset the tone of the day.

Muthusamy, playing with calm purpose, reached his first Test century with a crisp stroke through point. He defended with assured hands, picked gaps with quiet precision, and forced India’s bowlers to chase answers on a surface that demanded discipline more than magic. His 109 became the spine South Africa needed to turn a decent total into a dominant one.

Jansen matched him with a knock full of intent. He moved into the 90s with clean drives and firm pulls, punishing India whenever they missed their lengths. His 93 forced India into defensive fields and gave South Africa the initiative they refused to let go. He finally fell to Kuldeep Yadav, who broke through with a ball that dipped late and beat his swing.

Kuldeep Leads India’s Resistance

Kuldeep, operating with craft and stamina, finished with 4 for 115. He found drift, repeated his angles, and prised out the middle and lower order after long spells of trial. His wickets kept India within touching distance of a manageable deficit, even as South Africa stretched their score well beyond comfort.

Jasprit Bumrah bowled with fire in the morning session, extracting lift and movement, though he finished with only two wickets to show for a hard day’s work. Mohammed Siraj also claimed two, and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with another pair, but India’s attack often bowled from behind the game. South Africa’s discipline forced them into longer spells and fewer breakthroughs.

South Africa’s tail added stubborn runs. Every partnership, even the brief ones, nudged India deeper into trouble. When the innings closed at 489, South Africa walked off to a long ovation from a crowd that sensed the significance of the total.

India Survive Late Examination

With roughly half an hour left in the day, India walked out knowing the final overs would shape their mindset for the rest of the Test. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul defended with care, shouldering arms when possible and absorbing a probing spell under fading light.

South Africa’s quicks tested both edges. Jaiswal’s straight bat held firm. Rahul played close to his body. The surface slowed just enough to help India end the day unscathed at 9 without loss, but the scoreboard still leaned heavily against them.

South Africa in Command

South Africa closed the day with near-total control. Their 480-run advantage gives them the freedom to dictate the rhythm of the next sessions while India face a long defensive road. To escape defeat, India need endurance, application, and a batting statement on a pitch that rewards technique but punishes lapses.

Day 3 now becomes a test of India’s resilience, and a chance for South Africa to push for a decisive victory and close out the series with authority.