South Africa in the Drivers Seat at the End of Day 3, India Under Pressure

On the third day of the second Test between India and South Africa, the visitors took complete control of the match. India needed a win to stay alive in the series, but by the end of the day’s play the match had tilted decisively in South Africa’s favour, with the result now looking like only a matter of time. After posting a massive 489 in the first innings, South Africa bowled India out for just 201 and then ended the day at 26 without loss in their second innings. This extended their lead to 314 runs.

The star of the day was left-arm pacer Marco Jansen. After his brilliant 93 with the bat on the previous day, he produced an outstanding spell of fast bowling on Day 3 to claim six wickets. His relentless attack dismantled India’s batting lineup, dragging them down from a promising 95 for 1 to 121 for 7. Although Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav offered some resistance with a 72-run stand, Jansen returned again to break India’s backbone. After Harmer removed Sundar, Jansen dismissed Kuldeep and Bumrah to complete his six-wicket haul.

Following India’s batting collapse, South Africa opted against enforcing the follow-on and chose to bat again. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram batted with composure and remained unbeaten at stumps.