India face an uphill battle after losing two early wickets chasing 549
Guwahati
India ended Day 4 of the second Test in deep trouble at 27 for 2, staring at a massive target of 549 runs set by South Africa, who are eyeing a clean sweep in the two-match series. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) and KL Rahul (6) fell cheaply, leaving the hosts in disarray on a difficult surface.
Jaiswal was dismissed in the seventh over by pacer Marco Jansen, while Rahul succumbed to off-spinner Simon Harmer in the 10th. At stumps, Sai Sudharsan (2 off 25) and night-watchman Kuldeep Yadav (4 off 22) were holding fort, with India still needing 522 runs to level the series.
Earlier in the day, South Africa strengthened their grip through a composed batting display led by Tristan Stubbs, who missed a century by six runs, scoring a gritty 94 off 180 balls. Tony de Zorzi contributed 49, and the pair added 101 runs for the fourth wicket, blunting India’s spin challenge. Stubbs also forged an 82-run stand with Wiaan Mulder (35) before the Proteas declared at 260/5.
For India, Ravindra Jadeja impressed with figures of 4/62, while Washington Sundar claimed 1/67, but the hosts were left with a mountain to climb.
With only one day remaining, South Africa remain firm favourites to clinch the series 2-0 while India’s hopes now rest on a miracle.
Match Situation
- Target for India: 549
- India at Stumps: 27/2 (15.5 overs)
- Required to win: 522 runs
Key Indian Wickets Lost
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 13 (b Jansen)
- KL Rahul – 6 (b Harmer)
Top SA Performers
- Tristan Stubbs – 94
- Tony de Zorzi – 49
- SA Declared: 260/5
Top Indian Bowlers
- Ravindra Jadeja – 4/62
- Washington Sundar – 1/67