South Africa’s spinner Simon Harmer removed Kuldeep Yadav and Sai Sudharsan within four balls early on Day 5 of the second Test in Guwahati. The off-spinner has dominated the final innings, having already bowled KL Rahul earlier with a brilliant delivery.
India needed a solid start on the last day to survive 90 overs, secure a draw, avoid another home series whitewash, and pick up crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points. Kuldeep Yadav and Sai Sudharsan resumed overnight as the hosts began the day with South Africa requiring only eight more wickets for a historic win.
Both batters initially managed to hang on, with Sudharsan staying at the crease after his dismissal was overturned due to Marco Jansen overstepping. Kuldeep too was fortunate when Aiden Markram dropped a simple catch at slip off Harmer’s bowling. The in-form spinner struck quickly, deceiving Kuldeep Yadav with an arm ball.
The nightwatchman expected it to turn, but the extra pace beat his defence and shattered the stumps. Only a few balls later, Dhruv Jurel fell in a similar fashion. He too played for more turn than there was, and the slight spin took the outside edge of his bat, allowing Aiden Markram to safely complete the catch at slip this time.
You can watch the video here:
https://www.bcci.tv/bccilink/videos/CWOL6VOU
https://www.bcci.tv/bccilink/videos/4KnswOrF
Kuldeep Yadav, who showed great resistance in the first innings, managed just 5 off 38 balls in the second. Dhruv Jurel also endured a tough outing, scoring only 2 after registering an 11-ball duck earlier.
India Need Over Two Sessions To Force Draw In 2nd Test
India’s hopes of surviving the final day and preventing a series whitewash have taken a major hit after Simon Harmer’s early double strike. The hosts are down to six wickets, while South Africa have plenty of overs left to push for a historic win.
At present, captain Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudharsan are at the crease with the score at 58/4. With the target of 549 already far beyond reach, only two results remain realistic for India, a draw or a defeat.
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