Muthusamy Ton Powers SA to 489 vs India – IND-SA 2nd Test Day 2 Highlights
South Africa seized control of the 2nd Test against India on Day 2 in Guwahati, thanks to Senuran Muthusamy’s gritty maiden century and Marco Jansen’s explosive 93. Resuming at 247/6, the Proteas lower order fired on all cylinders, adding 242 runs to post a mammoth 489 all out. India, in reply, lost no wickets but managed just 9 runs before bad light ended play early, trailing by a daunting 480. This sets up a massive challenge for Rohit Sharma’s men on Day 3.
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium witnessed a masterclass in lower-order resilience as Muthusamy (109) and Jansen turned a precarious position into a batting masterstroke. With the series locked 1-0 for SA after their Kolkata win, this performance puts them in pole position for a historic first series triumph in India in 25 years. For India, it’s back to the drawing board after a disciplined but wicketless bowling effort.
Muthusamy’s Milestone: From Survival to Stardom
Senuran Muthusamy etched his name in history with a composed 109 off 200 balls – the third South African to score a Test ton from No. 7 or lower against India. Starting cautiously, he survived an lbw scare off Ravindra Jadeja (glove saved him on review) and built a vital 88-run stand with Kyle Verreynne (45).
Muthusamy’s fifty came off 121 balls, blending defense with timely aggression. Post-tea, he unleashed sixes off Jadeja and Washington Sundar, racing to three figures with a couple off Mohammed Siraj. His knock included 10 fours and 2 sixes, silencing critics of SA’s tail. Sadly, he fell soon after, pulling Siraj to fine leg for 109 – but not before hugging Jansen in celebration.
Jansen’s Fireworks: 93 Runs of Pure Power
Marco Jansen, promoted to No. 8, stole the show with a brutal 93 off 102 balls – his highest Test score. After Verreynne’s stumping off Jadeja, Jansen attacked relentlessly, smashing two sixes in an over against Jadeja and more off Siraj. He reached fifty with a boundary flurry and added 97 with Muthusamy for the 8th wicket.
Jansen’s innings featured 7 fours and 5 sixes, pushing SA past 450. He fell agonizingly short of a ton, inside-edging Kuldeep Yadav onto the stumps. With Keshav Maharaj (quick 14), he added 27 for the last wicket, frustrating India further. Jansen’s aggression turned a good total into a match-winning one.
Session-by-Session Breakdown: SA’s Lower-Order Rampage
First Session: Grit Over Glamour
Resuming with the second new ball, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj bowled tight lines, conceding just 28 runs in 13 overs. Muthusamy and Verreynne absorbed pressure, with maidens aplenty. The pair crossed 50, taking SA to 316/6 at tea – a session of pure patience.
Second Session: Acceleration Mode
Post-tea fireworks: Verreynne fell for 45 (stumped off Jadeja), but Jansen and Muthusamy exploded. Sixes off spinners, boundaries off pacers – 112 runs came at 4+ per over. SA hit 428/7 at lunch, with the 8th-wicket stand at 94. India’s reviews wasted: one on Verreynne’s leg-side edge.
Third Session: Final Flourish
Siraj broke the stand (Muthusamy 109), but Jansen went berserk – two sixes off Jadeja, four and six off Siraj. Harmer (0, bowled Bumrah) came and went, but Jansen-Maharaj added 27. Kuldeep (4/115) finally got Jansen, wrapping SA at 489. India faced 2 overs: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s flicked four, then caution till stumps (9/0).
- Key Partnerships: 7th: 88 (Muthusamy-Verreynne) | 8th: 97 (Muthusamy-Jansen) | 10th: 27 (Jansen-Maharaj)
- India Bowling: Bumrah 2/75 (tough spells) | Kuldeep 4/115 (4 tail wickets) | Jadeja 1/ (stumping gold) | Siraj 2/ (key breakthroughs)
India’s Bowling Woes: Discipline Meets Defiance
India toiled hard on a batsman-friendly pitch – red soil offering little turn or seam. Bumrah’s reverse swing and Siraj’s accuracy yielded maidens, but the lower order’s application wore them down. Kuldeep, Day 1 hero (3 wickets), cleaned up the tail but leaked runs in the middle.
Rohit Sharma rotated wisely, but without breakthroughs till late, SA capitalized. Jadeja’s arm ball stumped Verreynne, but overall, India’s attack needs bite on Day 3. With 480 to chase? It’s a mountain – but home soil breeds miracles.
Senuran Muthusamy 109 (200 balls, 10×4, 2×6)
Marco Jansen 93 (102 balls, 7×4, 5×6)
Kyle Verreynne 45 (89 balls)
Fall of Wickets: 247/6 overnight → 489 all out
India Bowling: Kuldeep Yadav 4-115 | Jasprit Bumrah 2-75 | Mohammed Siraj 2-? | Ravindra Jadeja 1-?
India 1st Innings: 9/0 (2 overs)
Yashasvi Jaiswal 5* | KL Rahul 4*
SA lead by 480 runs
What It Means: SA Eyes Historic Series Win
Day 1 was even (SA 247/6, India 6 wickets), but Day 2 tilted decisively. Muthusamy’s ton – his first in Tests – joins legends like Ashwell Prince. Jansen’s near-miss adds to SA’s tail-end lore. For India, trailing 1-0, a draw keeps WTC hopes alive, but 480 is daunting on a wearing pitch.
Day 3 dawns crucial: Will Bumrah spark a collapse? Or will Rohit and co. chase fire? Guwahati’s red soil could turn – spinners like Jadeja and Kuldeep loom large. SA, world champs, smell victory; India, home kings, fight back.
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