Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 | Sky Link Times |
India finally secured a crucial breakthrough late in the second session after Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Aiden Markram on the stroke of tea, as South Africa reached 82/1 in 26.5 overs on Day 1 of the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
Table of Contents
Bumrah Strikes Just Before Tea Break
Despite maintaining discipline throughout the first two sessions, India had been frustrated by South Africa’s opening stand until Bumrah returned for his second spell. Markram, who was earlier dropped at slip by KL Rahul when on four, attempted to guide a delivery but chopped it onto his stumps, giving India a much-needed wicket moments before the break.
The dismissal ended a gritty 38-run knock from Markram and brought relief to the Indian camp, particularly for Rahul, who shared a smile with teammates after being redeemed by Bumrah’s breakthrough.
South Africa’s Steady Start in Morning Session
Earlier in the day, South Africa opted to bat first on a fresh red-soil surface. Markram and Ryan Rickelton showed patience against new-ball pair Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who extracted swing and movement but were unable to convert pressure into a wicket during the morning phase.
India conceded a few unnecessary byes due to uneven bounce, while Siraj bowled slightly fuller and wider, offering scoring opportunities that South Africa capitalised on.
By the first drinks break, the Proteas were comfortably placed at 34/0, with both openers settling into rhythm.
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Indian Bowlers Struggle for Consistency
Young pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy failed to find the right length and drifted onto the pads frequently, resulting in boundaries. Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar generated some turn and bounce but were unable to break the partnership, as Rickelton collected streaky boundaries.
The sparse crowd at India’s newest Test venue created a subdued atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the packed Eden Gardens Test earlier in the series.
A Breakthrough That Could Shift Momentum
With the first wicket finally falling, India will look to apply pressure in the final session. Rickelton, unbeaten on 35, remains key to South Africa’s plans as they aim to build a strong first-innings total.
Bumrah, who ended the session with figures of 1/7, will continue to be India’s main weapon as the pitch begins to settle and conditions ease for batting.
Brief Scores
South Africa 82/1 in 26.5 overs
(Aiden Markram 38, Ryan Rickelton 35*; Jasprit Bumrah 1/7)
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