SA vs India 1st Test Day 1 – Session 2 Highlights
The 1st Test of the 2025 series between South Africa and India at Johannesburg has begun with an intense contest. After winning the toss, South Africa elected to bat first, but their innings has been punctuated by consistent breakthroughs from India’s pace and spin attack.
At the end of the second session, South Africa is struggling at 131/5 in 38 overs, with their top order failing to build a solid foundation. India, buoyed by early wickets, is now in a commanding position with a 74% live win probability.
Bumrah Leads India’s Early Charge
Jasprit Bumrah has once again demonstrated why he is among the finest fast bowlers in the world. He produced a stunning spell of 12 overs, 4 maidens, 23 runs, and 3 wickets, dismantling South Africa’s top order.
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Rickelton fell for 23, caught by Rishabh Pant.
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Aiden Markram, a crucial wicket for India, was caught by Pant off Bumrah for 31.
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Tony de Zorzi’s dismissal for 24, trapped LBW by Bumrah, capped off a brilliant spell.
Bumrah’s accuracy, bounce, and ability to strike at key moments are already putting India in the driver’s seat, setting the tone for a dominant performance in the first innings.
Spin Support from Kuldeep Yadav
While Bumrah led the attack, Kuldeep Yadav complemented the pace duo beautifully, picking up 2 crucial wickets. Wiaan Mulder fell LBW for 24, and Temba Bavuma, the South African captain, was dismissed for just 3 runs.
The spinners’ control over the middle overs prevented South Africa from consolidating, keeping the scoreboard under pressure.
South Africa’s Batting Struggles
South Africa’s innings saw early promise, with Markram and Rickelton providing brief resistance. However, regular wickets and tight bowling led to a collapse of momentum. Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs tried to stabilize, but the Indian bowlers ensured minimal partnerships could flourish.
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Extras contributed 14 runs, showing disciplined bowling from India.
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South Africa’s middle and lower order, including Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs, are yet to face the brunt of India’s relentless attack.
The early loss of 5 wickets for just 131 runs signals a testing day for the hosts, who will need a strong recovery to set a competitive total.
Key Performers for India
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Jasprit Bumrah: 3/23 – lethal and consistent in breaking partnerships.
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Kuldeep Yadav: 2/35 – smart spin bowling exploiting the pitch conditions.
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Supporting Cast: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Mohammed Siraj maintained pressure, giving India crucial control in the session.
India’s disciplined bowling attack, combining pace and spin, has created a dominant position early in the Test, giving the team confidence going into the remaining sessions.
Looking Ahead
With 23 overs left in the day, South Africa’s tail-enders will need to show resilience if they want to post a defendable total. For India, the plan is clear – continue aggressive bowling and maintain pressure on the opposition.
Fans can expect a thrilling battle between India’s fast bowlers and South Africa’s lower order, with the potential for a historic performance in the opening Test. The pitch and conditions are testing, and every run and wicket will count.
The day’s play highlights the unpredictability and excitement of Test cricket, with India taking early control but South Africa still in the game if they can find partnerships.
