How did Day 1 of the 2nd Test go between India vs South Africa? — Review, Turning Points & more
South Africa finished at 247/6 on the first day of the second Test in Guwahati before being forced to retire early due to poor light. On a surface with superb batting conditions but a persistent danger from India’s attack, the visitors built their innings around key partnerships, but India continued to pluck wickets at regular intervals.
South Africa, having decided to bat first, started slowly against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton handled the early action effectively, putting together a fantastic opening stand. Markram received a reprieve when KL Rahul dropped him on four, but Bumrah eventually caught him in the last over before lunch, shattering a 50-run stand.
After lunch, Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs scored 84 runs for the third wicket. India, on the other hand, did not let the partnership slip away, with Ravindra Jadeja dismissing Bavuma for 41 after he mistimed a drive, and Kuldeep Yadav continuing to impress all day.
Kuldeep, India’s finest bowler on the day, hit three times, first removing Rickelton after tea and then dismissing Stubbs (49) and Wiaan Mulder to bring the game back. South Africa, with two 80-plus stands in the top four, struggled to score runs after Kuldeep got going.
Meanwhile, minutes before stumps, Mohammed Siraj used the second new ball to dismiss Tony de Zorzi with a nip backer, earning India a vital wicket late in the day. Day 2 will see Senuran Muthusamy (25*) and Kyle Verreynne (1*) start at South Africa’s overnight score.
Top batting performances of the match — Tristan Stubbs
Tristan Stubbs delivered one of South Africa’s most SOLID knocks on Day 1, coming in when India picked two wickets in quick succession. The right-handed batter handled the spells from Bumrah, Siraj, and India’s spinners. He also rotated strike smartly and punished the rare loose delivery. His partnership with Temba Bavuma stabilised the innings. Falling for 49 off 112, Stubbs fell just one run before a well-deserved fifty.
Best bowling spells — Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav had a brilliant day with the ball, breaking South Africa’s middle-order. Introduced in short bursts, he made an immediate impact, removing Rickelton with a leg-break that drifted in and spun away late. Switching ends brought more success as extra bounce accounted for Stubbs on 49, before tempting Mulder into a drive to complete a three-wicket haul. His 3/48 kept India on top at various moments throughout the day.
Challenging Kuldeep for a glory shot? Don’t say we didn’t warn you! 🙊
P.S. Don’t miss Kuldeep Yadav’s celebration at the end! 😁#INDvSA 2nd Test LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/FonCjBDbFl pic.twitter.com/kA3k8wbLsA
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 22, 2025
Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved
A moment to cherish! 🙌
BCCI Honorary Secretary Mr. Devajit Saikia presents the two captains with Memorial gold-plated toss coins to mark the inaugural Test in Guwahati! 👏
Rishabh Pant and Temba Bavuma also signed a special ACA Stadium portrait to honour the occasion.
Updates… pic.twitter.com/mPLFMxi1Yo
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 22, 2025
Guwahati witnessed history as it hosted its first-ever Test match, becoming India’s 30th Test venue. The day began with BCCI officials presenting gold-plated memorial toss coins and both captains signing a special ACA Stadium portrait, recording a proud moment for the Northeast.
The Test also saw a rare scheduling tweak, with tea held before lunch to counter the early sunset. Another major milestone came with Rishabh Pant, who became only the second Indian wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni to captain the Test team.
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