In a gripping display of cricketing prowess, South Africa tightened its grip on the first Test against India, reducing the hosts to 102-4 by the end of the morning session on Day 3. India, trailing by a daunting 387 runs, faced a series of setbacks as South Africa’s bowlers delivered a masterclass in precision and strategy. The Proteas, who had earlier amassed a formidable 489 in their first innings, are eyeing their first Test series victory on Indian soil since 2000-01. The day began with India resuming at six without loss, but the opening partnership of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Lokesh Rahul was soon dismantled. Rahul fell to Keshav Maharaj after scoring 22 runs, while Jaiswal, who had crafted a resilient 58, was dismissed by Simon Harmer. Harmer, who finished with figures of 2-39, also accounted for Sai Sudharsan, who struggled against spin. Dhruv Jurel’s brief stay at the crease ended in a duck, leaving India reeling at 102-4. Stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten at the interval, but the task ahead remains monumental. South Africa’s dominance was further underscored by Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden century on Day 2, which laid the foundation for their commanding total. As the match progresses, India faces an uphill battle to salvage the Test, while South Africa inches closer to a historic series win.
South Africa takes 4 wickets in 1st session on Day 3 as India struggles in 2nd cricket test
