Simon Harmer the South African spinner sacked Kuldeep Yadav and Sai Sudharsan within four consecutive deliveries early on Day 5 of the second Test between India and South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The right-arm off-spinner has taken charge during the final innings after having castled KL Rahul in an earlier instance with a magnificent delivery.
Team India had to start the last day well to make 90 overs and secure a draw to prevent another home series whitewash not to mention pick up some points in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The left-handed duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Sai Sudharsan were given the night shift by the hosts when South Africa was just eight wickets short of their historic victory.
Both batters survived the early exchanges — Sudharsan’s dismissal was overturned after Marco Jansen overstepped, and Kuldeep earned a reprieve when Aiden Markram dropped a simple slip catch off Harmer — but the in-form spinner struck soon after, beating Kuldeep Yadav with one that went on with the arm as the night-watchman played for turn and saw his stumps shattered.
A few deliveries later, Dhruv Jurel also misread the spin, playing for too much turn. The ball straightened just enough to take the outside edge, and Aiden Markram made no mistake at slip this time. Check out the double strike here:
https://www.bcci.tv/bccilink/videos/vT3Plo6J https://www.bcci.tv/bccilink/videos/4KnswOrFKuldeep Yadav, who showed grit with 134 balls in the first innings, managed only five from 38 in the second, while Dhruv Jurel added just two runs after his 11-ball duck to cap a forgettable outing.
Team India Face Challenge of Batting Over Two and a Half Sessions to Secure a Draw
Simon Harmer’s early double strike has left the Men in Blue reeling as they fight to survive the final day and avoid a whitewash. Team India now have just six wickets remaining, while the visitors have plenty of overs left to try and seal a historic win.
As of now, skipper Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudharsan are at the crease with the score reading 58 for 4. The target of 549 is already well beyond India’s reach, leaving only two possible outcomes in play.
