On Day 4 of the second Test, South Africa tightened their grip on the series by declaring their second innings at 260/5 and setting India a daunting target of 549 runs to win. India, reeling from a first-innings total of just 201, finished the day at 27/2, still staring at a huge deficit and a mountain to climb.
After posting 489 in their first innings, South Africa demonstrated control by building steadily in the second time around. Veteran wickets were collected efficiently, and when the declaration came it left India with a challenge few teams can overcome on home soil. India’s bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja and supported by Washington Sundar, managed early breakthroughs but lacked the penetration and consistency to derail the opposition’s plan.
The pitch at the Barsapara stadium began to bite, offering variable bounce, turn and bounce to the bowlers, especially as the day progressed, making the chase even tougher for India. South Africa bowlers capitalised on the deteriorating surface, with Marco Jansen’s short-pitch bursts and Simon Harmer’s guile troubling India’s top order.
With India’s opening pair removed early — Yashasvi Jaiswal misfired and KL Rahul departed cheaply — the hosts were always on the back foot. By the close of play, nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav and Sai Sudharsan remained unbeaten but the margin was huge: India still needed 522 more runs with eight wickets in hand.
The tourists are now on the verge of a memorable series win in Indian conditions — only a collapse or monumental resistance from India can derail the momentum. The home side must show greater resolve from the middle order onwards and bat deep to even force a draw.
India’s dreams of recovering from this hole rest on their lower order staging a fight-back, and on their bowlers exploiting whatever help the pitch offers on Day 5. For South Africa, everything is in place — they just need to stay disciplined, bowl with intent, and finish the job.
