South Africa ended the opening day on 247 for 6, a total built on starts but no conversion, after choosing to bat at cricket’s newest Test venue in Guwahati.
A flat surface early on shifted character through the day, demanding patience before later offering grip and slow turn. India’s bowlers adapted superbly, with Kuldeep Yadav leading the charge with 3 for 48, backed by Jasprit Bumrah’s tight 17-6-38-1 that kept scoring under control.
South Africa began brightly through Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton’s 82-run stand, the highest opening partnership of the series, before Bumrah removed Markram with the last ball before tea. The visitors repeatedly rebuilt—Bavuma, Stubbs, de Zorzi, and Muthusamy all got starts, but India struck back every time to prevent a fifty.
After a slow middle session, Bavuma and Stubbs returned with positive intent only to fall quickly as Kuldeep and Jadeja ripped through the middle order. A late push from Tony de Zorzi and Senuram Muthusamy steadied the innings, but Mohammed Siraj’s peach with the second new ball removed de Zorzi moments before bad light ended play.
On a day that balanced bat and ball, South Africa’s failure to convert starts kept India firmly in the contest, setting up a fascinating Day 2 at cricket’s newest Test arena.
