South Africa made a strong response on the second day of the first cricket test against India, claiming three wickets in the morning session. By lunch at Eden Gardens, the hosts found themselves struggling at 138 for 4, still trailing by 21 runs. The Indian team faced further challenges as their captain, Shubman Gill, retired hurt, adding to their difficulties on a pitch that became increasingly demanding.
In the first innings, South Africa had been bowled out for just 159 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer for India, taking five wickets for 27 runs. His exceptional bowling not only dismantled the South African batting order but also provided India with a slight edge at the start of the match.
As the game progressed into the second day, the pitch conditions began to favor the bowlers. South Africa capitalized on this advantage, making early breakthroughs. The Indian batsmen, accustomed to a more favorable batting track, struggled to adapt. The loss of Gill, who has shown promise as a leader, compounded the pressure on the remaining batsmen.
The current score reflects the tense nature of the match, with India needing a solid partnership to regain control. With four wickets down, the onus falls on the middle-order batsmen to steady the innings. The pressure mounts as the team seeks to overcome the first innings deficit and build a competitive total.
As the first session closed, both teams recognized the pivotal moments that lie ahead. South Africa, buoyed by their early success, will aim to capitalize on their momentum, while India must regroup and strategize to turn the tide in their favor. The match continues to unfold, with the outcome hanging in the balance as the players return for the next session.
