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Kuldeep's Spin and Siraj's Pace Put India in Driver's Seat
22 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets, aiding India's slight lead.
- South Africa ended Day 1 at 247 for six, Stubbs scored 49.
- The Guwahati pitch offered balance for bowlers and batters.
India holds a narrow edge after Day 1 of the Guwahati Test, thanks to Kuldeep Yadav's disciplined spin bowling and a late-innings flourish from Mohammed Siraj. Kuldeep finished with figures of 3 for 48, while Siraj's efforts helped to restrict South Africa. The Proteas concluded the day at 247 for six, with Tristan Stubbs top-scoring with 49 runs and Temba Bavuma adding 41.
South Africa, after winning the toss and electing to bat, saw their openers build a solid foundation. However, they struggled to convert starts into significant scores, a recurring issue. Bavuma and Stubbs forged a crucial partnership, stabilizing the innings before Kuldeep's interventions and Siraj's late strikes shifted the momentum back towards the hosts.
The Guwahati pitch distinguished itself by offering a fair contest for both batsmen and bowlers, unlike the challenging conditions of previous matches. This balanced surface allowed for skillful stroke play and effective bowling, promising an engaging Test match that could potentially extend to the full five days if play continues in this vein.
