South Africa nears first Test series win in India since 2000

AFP | Guwahati

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

South Africa had India tottering at 27-2 after setting the hosts a mammoth target of 549 in the second Test yesterday, moving to the brink of a first series win in the country for 25 years.

South Africa declared on 260- 5 in the final session on day four in Guwahati after Tristan Stubbs made 94.

World Test champions South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0 and even a draw would seal their first series victory in India since 2000.

The Proteas kept on batting despite the lead crossing 500 in the second session and coach Shukri Conrad said they wanted to make sure they ended India’s hopes of a series-levelling win.

“We wanted them to really grovel... Bat them completely out the game and then say to them well come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening,” Conrad told reporters.

“So far so good but we also know they’re not just going to roll over. We’re going to have to be at our very best tomorrow.”

India suffered their fourth defeat in six home Tests in the opener in Kolkata, after a humiliating 3-0 series loss to New Zealand last year, and they need to bat for three more sessions to avoid another loss. India had been unbeaten in home Test series for 12 years before being swept by the Black Caps.

The highest successful run chase in Test cricket was West Indies’ 418 against Australia in 2003. India’s highest chase was 406 against West Indies in 1976.

Sai Sudharsan (2) and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav (4) were battling for survival when bad light ended play in the northeastern city, where the sun sets early.

South Africa pace spearhead Marco Jansen dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal with a short delivery outside the off stump to have him caught behind for 13.

Left-arm quick Jansen took his match tally to seven wickets after figures of 6-48 in India’s first innings, after also hitting 93 with the bat earlier in the game.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer bowled KL Rahul for six with a sharp, spinning delivery which turned through the gate.