India vs South Africa 2nd Test Day 3: South Africa Maintain Control as India Struggle in Guwahati

Guwahati, Nov 24, 2025 — Day 3 of the India vs South Africa 2nd Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium showcased South Africa’s dominance and India’s struggle under scoreboard pressure. After posting a massive first-innings total of 489, the visitors maintained control, leaving India’s middle order scrambling to stabilize the innings.

Top Order Under Pressure

India’s openers faced immediate challenges against a disciplined South African attack. The seamers maintained tight lines and consistent lengths, while the pitch offered subtle bounce and seam movement. These conditions made scoring difficult and forced the batters to focus on defense rather than building momentum.

Amidst the pressure, Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as India’s brightest performer. His well-constructed innings of 58 runs demonstrated composure and solid technique. Jaiswal’s footwork against pace and spin and his ability to rotate strike offered India temporary stability. However, his dismissal shifted the momentum decisively in favor of South Africa.

Middle Order Struggles

Following Jaiswal’s exit, KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan attempted to hold the innings together but struggled under South Africa’s relentless attack. Their wickets fell at crucial junctures, preventing India from forming partnerships that could alleviate the scoreboard pressure.

Dhruv Jurel’s dismissal for a duck just before tea left India at 102/4, trailing by nearly 390 runs. After the interval, hopes rested on Rishabh Pant to turn the game around. However, Pant was dismissed early, confirmed on review, further deepening India’s challenges.

Jadeja and Reddy Provide Resistance

With wickets falling around them, Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy assumed responsibility to stabilize the innings. Jadeja’s calm approach and experience allowed India to resist further collapse. He focused on building a steady partnership, playing each ball with patience and awareness.

Reddy complemented Jadeja with composure and technique, showing maturity beyond his experience. Their partnership became the central point of India’s resistance, helping delay further breakthroughs and giving the team a fighting chance.

South Africa’s Bowling Excellence

South Africa’s bowlers dominated the day with precision and strategy. Seamers extracted seam movement and bounce, while spinners leveraged subtle turn and the pitch’s uneven bounce to trouble batters consistently. Their methodical approach prevented India from gaining momentum. Each wicket reflected sustained pressure and smart field placements, showcasing South Africa’s tactical superiority.

Outlook for Day 4

India’s key objective on Day 4 will be to bat long, build partnerships, and reduce the deficit. Surviving the early sessions will be critical as the pitch continues to favor bowlers.

South Africa, confident and in control, will aim for early breakthroughs to maintain their advantage and push for a potential win inside four days. India must rely on Jadeja and Reddy to stabilize the innings and extend the match, keeping hopes alive for a recovery.

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