South Africa are just hours away from achieving what has felt impossible for nearly 25 years—a Test series win on Indian soil. After a commanding performance on day four in Guwahati, the Proteas reduced India to 27-2 while defending a massive 549-run target, leaving the hosts needing a miracle to avoid another home whitewash.
India, already bowled out for 201 in the first innings, now face the daunting task of surviving the entire final day. This comes on the back of their 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand last October—ending a 12-year fortress-like streak.
South Africa resumed at 26-0 but momentarily wobbled, slipping to 77-3 after losing three quick wickets. Then came Tristan Stubbs, who completely shifted the momentum.
Top-scored with 94 runs
Built a 100-run partnership with Tony de Zorzi
Added another 82 with Wiaan Mulder
Took South Africa’s lead comfortably past 500
Stubbs fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved century after being outfoxed by a Ravindra Jadeja slower ball, but by then the damage was long done. South Africa declared immediately after, leaving India facing an Everest-sized chase.
The Indian batting struggled right from the restart:
Yashasvi Jaiswal caught behind off Marco Jansen
KL Rahul bowled by Simon Harmer
Kuldeep Yadav sent in as nightwatcher once again, surviving to stumps
India closed on 27-2, still needing over 500 runs
With just one day left, India’s only real objective is survival, and even that looks like a tall order.
South Africa last won a Test series in India in 1999. Now, after winning the first Test and dominating this one, they are inches away from rewriting history.
The Proteas’ disciplined bowling, smart declarations, and resilient batting have put them firmly in control. If India can’t pull off an extraordinary escape, this will go down as one of South Africa’s greatest away series wins.
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