South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test and the series after closing Day 4 with India struggling at 27/2, facing a mammoth chase of 549 runs at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. The visitors controlled the tempo throughout the day, powered by a composed 94 from Tristan Stubbs, measured partnerships, and sharp new-ball bowling.
The innings wrapped up at 260/5 declared, giving India a near-impossible fourth-innings target.
Early Decline in India’s Chase
Marco Jansen carried forward his momentum from the first innings and struck in the seventh over, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 13. Jaiswal’s tentative push outside off only helped South Africa seize early control.
KL Rahul, joined by B Sai Sudharsan, looked set to settle in, but Simon Harmer struck in the 10th over. Rahul attempted to close the bat face across the line, misjudged the dip, and watched his stumps rocked back.
With two wickets down, India sent in Kuldeep Yadav as the nightwatchman. The left-arm spinner held firm alongside Sudharsan, helping India reach stumps at 27/2, though the scoreboard pressure remains immense.
Stubbs Narrowly Misses Ton but Sets Up Giant Lead
Earlier in the day, Tristan Stubbs held South Africa’s innings together with a mature, fluent 94, a knock that combined patience with calculated aggression. Though disappointed at having fallen six short, Stubbs kept the bigger picture in view.
Little bit, but they’re two down now, so we’ll take that.
His dismissal triggered an immediate declaration from captain Temba Bavuma.
Much discussion centered on why South Africa batted beyond a 500-run lead. Stubbs made the reasoning clear.
(The declaration) wasn’t an overs thing, it was more about the time. We had 40 minutes after lunch. Thought I’ll give it (the hundred) a go and then when Jadeja came on, that was the last over, so I thought two hits is my best shot.
India Show Fight Before Stubbs–Zorzi Shift Momentum
The day began with South Africa resuming at 26/0. Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram looked settled, stretching the score to 58 before India’s spinners dragged the hosts back.
Ravindra Jadeja provided the breakthrough with Rickelton’s wicket for 35, then dismissed Markram on 29 with a sharply turning delivery. Washington Sundar sustained the pressure, removing Temba Bavuma with a clever variation of pace.
At 107/3 by tea, the game briefly appeared balanced. But Tony de Zorzi and Stubbs rebuilt smartly. Their stand blended steady rotation with selective aggression, Zorzi sweeping confidently and Stubbs using his feet to neutralize spin. The pair made batting look far easier than it had for India.
Zorzi fell lbw to Jadeja for 49, yet South Africa only accelerated from there. Joined by Wiaan Mulder, Stubbs helped pile on runs as the visitors added 113 runs in the post-tea session for just one wicket.
Stubbs on His Sweep Shot Dismissal
The sweep that led to his dismissal, Stubbs insisted, was the right choice on a wearing pitch.
If you were just looking to defend, I thought you’ll be a sitting duck. That (sweep) was more of a defensive shot to get off strike… If we get the ball in the right areas, there’s enough in this wicket.
The Equation for Day 5
With India 27/2 and still 522 runs behind, South Africa need eight wickets to close out a 2–0 series win. India need nothing less than a record-shattering miracle.
Brief Scores: South Africa 489 and 260/5d in 78.3 overs (Tristan Stubbs 94, Tony de Zorzi 49; Ravindra Jadeja 4/62) lead India 201 all out in 83.5 overs and 27/2 in 15.5 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 13, KL Rahul 6; Simon Harmer 1-1, Marco Jansen 1-14) by 521 runs.
