South Africa Extend Their Dominance At 107/3 At Tea On Day 4 In The Guwahati Test

By Author: Mike
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South Africa strengthened their position in the second Test at Guwahati by reaching 107 for 3 at tea on Day 4, placing themselves firmly ahead in a match that has steadily swung in their favour. With disciplined batting, sharp bowling, and a clear tactical approach, the visitors now appear well-set to push for a historic Test series win on Indian soil.

From the start of Day 4, South Africa approached their innings with patience and precision. The surface at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium has slowed down considerably, with variable bounce beginning to challenge batting rhythm. Yet, Tony de Zorzi and David Bedingham handled the conditions with admirable calmness. Their partnership in the afternoon session showcased a combination of controlled stroke-play, confident defence, and intelligent rotation of strike.

India entered the session under pressure, knowing that early wickets were crucial to stay competitive. The bowling unit tried multiple angles—changing ends, using short spells, and switching between spin and pace—but consistency was lacking. The spinners found turn but could not maintain sustained pressure, ...
... while the seamers struggled to exploit the surface effectively. As a result, South Africa’s batters were able to settle in and build a strong platform.

A turning point in the match remains Marco Jansen’s exceptional six-wicket haul earlier in the game. His spell dismantled India’s first-innings lineup and handed South Africa a significant psychological and scoreboard advantage. With India posting an underwhelming total, the Proteas stepped in with confidence, and that momentum has carried through to Day 4.

At 107/3, South Africa may not be scoring rapidly, but their progress has been strategic. The focus has clearly been on extending the lead, preserving wickets, and batting India out of the contest. Conditions in Guwahati often become more challenging late in the match, especially for teams batting last. With the surface showing signs of wear, anything above 250–280 could become a formidable target for India in the fourth innings.

For India, this Test series has highlighted several concerns. Their batting has lacked solidity, partnerships have been short-lived, and decision-making under pressure has repeatedly faltered. Even home conditions, which often favour their experienced spinners, have not been effectively utilized. The inability to sustain pressure across sessions has given South Africa repeated opportunities to control the flow of the match.

In contrast, South Africa’s approach has been consistent and composed. Their batters have shown maturity, their bowlers have been disciplined, and their fielding sharp. Every session has seen the visitors execute their plans with clarity. This level of control is a major reason behind their commanding position as Day 4 progresses.

As the Test enters its final stages, South Africa will aim to build on their current advantage by accumulating runs steadily while keeping wickets intact. Their goal will be to set India a target that forces mistakes and amplifies the pressure of a fourth-innings chase. India, meanwhile, need breakthroughs—and quickly. A dramatic spell or a sudden collapse from South Africa is the only realistic path back into this Test.

At 107/3 at tea on Day 4, South Africa not only hold the numerical advantage but also the psychological edge. The match narrative now leans heavily in their favour, and unless India deliver a remarkable shift in performance, the visitors may be on the verge of securing a rare and memorable Test series win in India.

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