South Africa on the Verge of Historic Test Series Win as India Struggles at 27-2

South Africa is on the verge of a historic Test series win, India at 27-2 after the visitors declared and set India a target of 549 on day four in the second Test in Guwahati on Tuesday.

South Africa declared at 260-5, with Tristan Stubbs making 94 in a gritty knock. This declaration came too late, and India had an uphill task.

South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0 and are just a step away from winning their first series in India since 2000; a draw would suffice.

India is under pressure after their fourth defeat in six home Tests in Kolkata. They have to bat for three more sessions to avoid their third loss.

The most successful chase was the West Indies' 418 against Australia in 2003. The highest is 406 of India against the West Indies in 1976.

Sai Sudharsan (2) and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav (4) were battling when bad light ended play in Guwahati.

Speedster Marco Jansen was caught behind Jaiswal. He has taken seven wickets in the match, including 6-48 in the first innings.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer sent back KL Rahul (6).

All that would be required of South Africa is eight more wickets to win the series 2-0. India has to bat another day to draw the series.

Earlier, Stubbs was the last man to be bowled by Ravindra Jadeja (4-62). Wiaan Mulder was unbeaten at 35. Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi ran a 101-run partnership in the fourth wicket; Tony de Zorzi was lbw by Jadeja on 49. 

Stubbs batted 180 balls, had nine fours and a six in a gallant stand which annoyed the Indians.

South Africa had also gone on hiatus and on day three, dismissed India at 201, and they were ahead by 288 runs. The visitors decided not to impose the follow-on but to have another bat in the hope of causing additional damage.

In the first session, Ryan Rickelton made four boundaries and was caught out in a cover drive by Jadeja at 35. Jadeja then sent back Aiden Markram (29), and Washington Sundar sent back skipper Temba Bavuma.

After 78.3 overs, South Africa’s innings lasted longer than expected, leaving disappointed home supporters in the stadium, which was mostly empty.