South Africa have totally owned this Test series from early to closing, leaving India surprised as they lost twice first in Kolkata and then in Guwahati. By the time Day 5 of the second Test started, the Proteas just needed to get an eight wickets to make sure they won the series and this was accomplished within not much time; it just took a bit more than one full session.Simon Harmer delivered with the ball by picking up six wickets, while Temba Bavuma kept up his impressive form, staying not out and stabilizing middle order for his team. Also, Aiden Markram set a new record, managing most catches by any fielder in a single Test.
India was just not looking themselves over whole series, never quite finding their rhythm. Their game style actually fit nicely into how South Africa played—long, patient cricket that put the squeeze on other team with every session. It all started with what happened at Kolkata in first Test where India could not catch up with a rather small total of 124, which basically decided how things would go afterward. In next match at Guwahati, South Africa were ahead from first ball, keeping up steady pressure as India kept losing focus and making weak calls whenever it was most important.
When Day 5 came, India saw they would need to score 522 runs to win, already having lost two wickets and with the rate needing to be more than six runs each over for entire match day, which was on worsening pitch. After failing to run down 124 just recently, it was tough to believe such a total could be managed. The most positive outcome for India would be to survive, at least draw the match, get a couple Test Championship points and then get ready for their future matches.
For South Africa, this was also a chance to prove once again they are strong team to face outside of their home ground and strong World Test Championship holders. The captaincy of Bavuma with an excellent bowling and active fielding put them on the verge of well-earned 2 to nothing sweep. Indian batters were asked to show more fight and strength but South Africa ended up just far better. It’s kind of clear that they adapted quick and found solutions India struggled to get.
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