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In a remarkable display of batting, South Africa has established a commanding position with an unbeaten 73-run partnership between captain Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs just before lunch in the second and final Test against India at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Current Match Status

By the end of the second session on Day 1, South Africa stood at 156/2 after 55 overs, with Bavuma scoring 36* off 86 balls and Stubbs contributing 32* off 82 balls.

Proteas Excel in the Second Session

Starting the session at 82/1, South Africa's Rickelton and Bavuma were at the crease. Kuldeep Yadav provided an early breakthrough post-tea, dismissing opener Ryan Rickelton for 35 runs off 82 balls in the 28th over.

Bavuma and Stubbs Take Charge

Following Rickelton's exit, Bavuma and Stubbs formed a solid third-wicket partnership. Initially cautious, both players began to assert themselves as they settled in. Stubbs struck two boundaries against Siraj in the 33rd over, while Bavuma responded with consecutive fours against the Indian bowler in the 37th over, signaling their intent.

Crucial Moments in the Match

India opted for their first DRS review during the 45th over when Bavuma was struck on the pads while attempting a sweep shot against Ravindra Jadeja. The on-field umpire did not give it out, and the review confirmed the ball had missed the leg stump, resulting in India losing their first review as Bavuma remained at the crease.

Additionally, Bavuma reached a milestone of 1000 Test runs as captain during the 50th over, becoming the ninth South African to achieve this feat. He is now tied for the second-fastest to this mark for South Africa, alongside Dudley Nourse, trailing only Graeme Smith (17 innings).

Session Summary

As the visitors reached 156/2 at tea, they showcased a strong performance in this historic Test match in Guwahati.

Recap of the First Session

Earlier, South Africa scored 82/1 in the first session after choosing to bat first. The opening partnership between Aiden Markram and Rickelton was broken by Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled out Markram for 38 runs off 81 balls, including five fours.

Significance of the Guwahati Test

This match marks the first international Test hosted in Guwahati. The pitch has provided good bounce, which the Proteas have utilized effectively. India currently trails 1-0 in the two-match Test series.

Playing XIs

India (Playing XI): KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma(c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj.