Day 2 of the he first test India vs South Africa at the Eden Gardens turned into a gripping contest full of twists, collapses, and brilliant spin bowling. With 16 wickets falling in one day, the match moved forward at a breathtaking pace, and by the end of the day, India found themselves in full control. South Africa were left struggling at 93/7, ahead by only 63 runs.
Resuming at a stable 37/1, The overnight partnership between KL Rahul (39) and Washington Sundar added a crucial 57 runs, only to be broken by the veteran off-spinner, Simon Harmer. Returning to the Test arena, Harmer delivered a sensational spell, consistently hitting the right areas to extract turn and bounce. He removed Sundar (29), then cleaned up the lower middle order, including a double strike in the form of Ravindra Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel, to finish with an exceptional 4/30.
A brief, aggressive counter-attack by Rishabh Pant (27 off 24) provided some much-needed impetus, but the home side eventually capitulated for 189 after a late burst from pacer Marco Jansen (3/35), who wrapped up the tail. India managed to secure a slender but psychologically important 30-run first-innings lead, though the innings was marred by the sight of captain Shubman Gill retiring hurt with a neck spasm.
South Africa Second Innings Collapse,The small lead proved to be a mountain for the South African top order to climb against the revitalized Indian spin trio on a rapidly deteriorating surface. The second innings proved to be a nightmare for the Proteas, as India’s spinners ran rampant, exploiting every ounce of assistance from the Eden Gardens track.
The collapse began right after tea. Ravindra Jadeja, who looked deadly from his first over, bowled one of his most clinical spells in recent memory. His accuracy, pace variations, and natural turn made him almost impossible to play.
Jadeja started by removing opener Aiden Markram (4), who was caught smartly at short leg. Soon after, he produced a game-changing over, dismissing Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi back-to-back. Both batters were beaten by sharp, rising deliveries that spun more than expected. Jadeja later bowled Tristan Stubbs (5) with a beautiful arm ball, finishing with outstanding figures of 4/29 in 13 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav, with his wrist-spin variations, struck early by dismissing Ryan Rickelton and later sent Marco Jansen (13) back thanks to a good catch from KL Rahul. Axar Patel also contributed by trapping Kyle Verreynne , adding to South Africa troubles.
The only resistance came from captain Temba Bavuma, who remained unbeaten on 29. He fought with great patience but ran out of partners as wickets kept falling around him.
At the end of Day 2, South Africa were wobbling at 93/7, holding a slim lead of 63 runs. With only three wickets left and India’s spinners dominating, the hosts are just a session or two away from sealing the Test.
India vs South Africa Day 2 Match summary
South Africa 1st innings: 159/10 in 55 overs
Top performer: Aiden Markram 31 runs off 48 deliveries, Jasprit Bumrah 5/27 in 14 overs
India 1st innings: 189/10 in 62.2 overs , lead by 30 runs
Top performer: Kl Rahul 39 runs off 119 balls, Simon Harmer 4/30 in 15.2 overs
South Africa second innings: 93/7 in 35 overs
Top performer: Temba Bhvuma 29* runs off 78 deliveries, Ravindra Jadeja 4/29 in 13 overs