GUWAHATI: South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test on Tuesday, leaving India reeling at 27-2 after setting an enormous target of 549 runs. With this dominant position, the Proteas stand just eight wickets away from securing their first Test series win in India since 2000.

South Africa declared their second innings at 260-5 late on day four, powered by a brilliant 94-run knock from Tristan Stubbs. The visitors already lead the two-match series 1–0, and even a draw here would be enough to seal a historic triumph.

India Struggle Under Pressure

India, still recovering from their defeat in the Kolkata opener, now face the daunting task of surviving three full sessions on day five to avoid another home loss. Their chase started poorly as:

• Marco Jansen, fresh off his 6-48 in the first innings, removed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 13.
• Simon Harmer bowled KL Rahul for just six.

At stumps, Sai Sudharsan (2) and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav (4) were battling to keep India afloat, with bad light bringing an early end to play.

With the highest successful run chase in Test history being 418, and India’s own best at 406, the target of 549 looks far beyond reach.

Stubbs, De Zorzi Shine for South Africa

Tristan Stubbs was the backbone of South Africa’s innings, grinding out a determined 94 off 180 balls, featuring nine fours and a six. He shared a crucial 101-run partnership with Tony de Zorzi, who fell for 49 after being trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja.

Jadeja was India’s standout bowler, finishing with 4-62, while Wiaan Mulder contributed an unbeaten 35 to push the lead past reach.

India’s Bowling Effort Falls Short

Earlier in the day, South Africa resumed at 26-0, opting not to enforce the follow-on despite leading by 288 runs. Indian bowlers struck intermittently:

• Jadeja removed Ryan Rickelton (35) and Aiden Markram (29).
• Washington Sundar dismissed captain Temba Bavuma for 3.

Despite these breakthroughs, India’s energy dipped as the innings progressed. The South African batters capitalized, stretching their advantage while the home side struggled in the field.

Final Day Setup

Heading into day five:

• South Africa need just 8 wickets to clinch a 2–0 sweep.
• India need to bat out the entire day to avoid defeat.

With momentum firmly on South Africa’s side and India under immense pressure, the final day promises high drama in Guwahati.