Daijiworld Media Network – Guwahati
Guwahati, Nov 25: South Africa are on the brink of a historic series victory in India, their first in 25 years, after building a commanding lead over nearly five hours on the fourth day of the final Test. The visitors declared with India needing a target higher than ever chased at home, leaving the hosts requiring eight wickets in the final session to salvage any points.
The pitch, which had been docile during South Africa’s 70.3-over innings, suddenly became tricky for India’s batsmen. Marco Jansen troubled Yashasvi Jaiswal with short deliveries, while Simon Harmer, who has outperformed India’s spinners throughout the series, dismissed KL Rahul with a brilliant off-spin delivery and nearly trapped B Sai Sudharsan lbw.
Earlier in the day, South Africa managed the session carefully, prioritising control over aggression. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were brought into the attack, with Jadeja removing Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram, while Sundar accounted for Temba Bavuma, triggering three quick wickets for just 18 runs.
Despite the wickets, Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi steadied the innings with a 101-run partnership, keeping South Africa ahead by 466 at one stage. Stubbs, who ended the series as the top run-getter with 163, narrowly missed a century in the second innings, finishing 94 after a late charge post-lunch.
India’s openers struggled to build momentum, with Jansen and Harmer exploiting the change in pitch behaviour. Jaiswal fell once again to his favoured cut shot, and Rahul was trapped by Harmer after a rare misjudged drive. Harmer and Jansen are now level with 12 wickets each for the series, maintaining South Africa’s dominance.
India survived the day but remain under pressure, with only six hours left and fading light reducing playing time. South Africa now need eight wickets to complete the whitewash, which would hand them all 12 World Test Championship points and end India’s near-perfect home series record of the past 12 years.
The final day promises tense cricket as South Africa look to seal a historic victory on Indian soil.