Team India endured a disappointing and forgettable day in the Guwahati Test as the entire batting lineup crumbled for just 201 runs in their first innings. By the end of Day 3, South Africa strengthened their dominance by reaching 26/0 in their second innings without losing a wicket, extending their overall lead to a massive 314 runs. Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton returned unbeaten and looked confident at the crease, putting India under further pressure. India began the third day at 9/0, hoping to build a solid foundation. However, the innings collapsed by the third session, with the team bowled out for 201. South Africa, having posted a huge first-innings total of 489, took a 288-run lead but chose not to enforce the follow-on despite their commanding position. The major architect of India’s downfall was South African pacer Marco Jansen, who delivered a sensational spell by claiming six crucial wickets. His sharp movement, bounce, and consistency troubled Indian batters throughout the innings. For India, Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and Washington Sundar (48) offered some resistance, but apart from these two, no batter could contribute significantly. At one stage, India were comfortably positioned at 95/2, but the momentum shifted dramatically as the team collapsed from 95/2 to 122/7 in a blink. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav later stitched a fighting partnership, helping India cross the 200-run mark, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a sizeable deficit. India’s batting collapse was particularly shocking as the team lost six wickets for just 27 runs. After Jaiswal’s dismissal at 95, Sudarshan fell at 96, Jurel at 102, Pant at 105, Nitish at 119, and Jadeja at 122. These dismissals highlighted India’s struggle against disciplined bowling and a lack of composure in the middle order. Earlier in the match, South Africa had won the toss at the Barsapara Stadium and opted to bat first. Their decision proved perfect as the team piled up a massive 489-run total by the second day. India, under pressure, needed a strong reply, but the batting unit failed to match expectations. By the end of Day 3, South Africa came out to bat again and safely reached 26/0. Their total lead of 314 runs put them in complete control of the match, leaving India with a mountain to climb and very little hope unless a miraculous turnaround unfolds. During India’s first-innings tail-end, Marco Jansen dismissed Jasprit Bumrah to wrap up the innings. Bumrah managed only 5 runs off 17 balls. Jansen also took his fifth wicket by removing Kuldeep Yadav, who scored 19 runs before edging to Aiden Markram. Markram had an exceptional day in the field, taking five catches in total. Washington Sundar, India’s top performer after Jaiswal, fell for 48 when Simon Harmer bowled a clever delivery that moved slightly away. Sundar edged it to slip, where Markram completed another safe catch. Harmer picked up three wickets in the innings. At lunch, India were struggling at 174/7 in response to South Africa’s 489. The top and middle order failed once again, leaving India in a difficult position. Sundar and Kuldeep tried to stabilize the innings with a patient 141-ball 52-run partnership for the eighth wicket, but the effort fell short of saving India from a huge trail. India now still trail by 315 runs and need at least 116 more to avoid a follow-on situation if South Africa decide differently in the next innings. The match heavily favors South Africa, who hold a commanding lead and complete control. India must produce an extraordinary comeback to stay alive in the contest.
Team India Collapse in Guwahati Test; South Africa Take Massive 314-Run Lead
