IND vs SA 2nd Test: Mohammed Siraj Fires Up After Removing Tony de Zorzi on Day 1

Mohammed Siraj brought high-intensity energy to the field in Guwahati as India fought to stay in contention during Day 1 of the second Test against South Africa on Saturday, November 22. The Indian pacer struck late in the final session, dismissing opener Tony de Zorzi for 28 runs and breaking South Africa’s momentum.

What a moment that was, in the 82nd over, when Siraj delivered a full ball outside the off-stump that moved quite a bit after landing. De Zorzi was not totally sure and swung at the ball which Rishabh Pant, the stand-in captain, took a brilliant catch behind the stumps. The wicket not only brought the vital alliance of de Zorzi and Senuran Muthuswamy, worth 45 runs, to an end but also made the Indian camp feel less harassed and more relaxed.

Siraj’s celebration mirrored the intensity of the situation; the fast bowler was roaring with joy which turned out to be a visual delight for the home crowd.

South Africa Dominate, Despite Late Indian Fightback

South Africa had the upper hand for most of the day. Openers Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35) gave the visitors a confident start, stitching together an 82-run opening partnership. Jasprit Bumrah finally provided the first breakthrough before tea.

After the interval, Kuldeep Yadav struck immediately to send Rickelton back. However, the Proteas continued their strong display with contributions from Tristan Stubbs (49) and captain Temba Bavuma (41), who forged the biggest partnership of the series so far — 84 runs for the third wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Bavuma, and Kuldeep Yadav added two more to his tally by removing Stubbs and Wiaan Mulder in quick succession.

Bad light forced an early stumps, with South Africa ending the day on a solid note despite Siraj’s late strike.

Series Context

After their remarkable 30-run win in Kolkata, South Africa is now ahead in the two-match Test series 1-0—their first Test victory in India since 2010. If they win in Guwahati, the series will then be concluded in their favor with a score of 2-0.

On the other hand, India is very eager to make the series equal again and not to have a second home Test series defeat in a row with coach Gautam Gambhir, after the earlier loss 0-3 to New Zealand.