India Struggles on Day 5, Trails by 459 as south Africa Press for Victory
Centurion, South Africa - India reached tea on Day 5 of the second Test against South Africa at 90-5, still a monumental 459 runs shy of their target. Despite a determined partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Sai Sudharsan, the Proteas’ spin attack, led by Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, continues to dominate, leaving India battling to avoid defeat and salvage a draw. SCORECARD
The morning session saw South Africa claim three crucial wickets, steadily tightening their grip on the match. Harmer proved particularly effective, adding to his wicket tally. jadeja (23 off 40 balls) has shown positive intent, utilizing sweep shots to accumulate runs, including a boundary through square leg for two. Sudharsan, however, has adopted a more cautious approach, scoring 14 off 138 balls.
A close leg before appeal against Jadeja was turned down, with the Proteas opting not to review despite indications the ball was heading down the leg side. Later,a length delivery from Harmer narrowly missed the stumps and raced through to the wicketkeeper for two byes.
The sixth-wicket pair have added 32 runs in 94 balls, a vital but slow accumulation as time runs out for the visitors. South Africa’s change in bowling, bringing in Aiden Markram to replace Maharaj, hasn’t eased the pressure on the Indian batsmen. With two sessions remaining, India faces a significant challenge to bat out the remaining overs and secure a draw, particularly given the increasingly favorable conditions for the South African spinners.
