The second Test between India and South Africa kicked off at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on November 22, 2025, with the visitors taking early control on a day punctuated by flashes of brilliance—none bigger than Yashasvi Jaiswal’s stunning catch to remove South African skipper Temba Bavuma. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa’s openers provided a sturdy foundation before India’s bowlers toiled for breakthroughs on a pitch offering little margin for error.
IND vs AUS: Yashasvi Jaiswal grabs a screamer to dismiss Temba Bavuma on Day 1
The defining moment of the day came in the 58th over. Ravindra Jadeja, probing with drift and subtle turn, tossed one up full outside the off-stump to Bavuma, who looked to loft over mid-off but failed to get the desired elevation. Jaiswal, stationed at mid-off, sprinted forward and dove full-length to pouch a low catch inches above the turf, sending the in-form Bavuma back for a well-compiled 41 off 92 balls. The athleticism and presence of mind shown by Jaiswal provided India with much-needed respite, breaking a strong partnership and lifting the spirits of the home side.
Jaiswal’s effort was the culmination of relentless pressure by India’s spinners. Bavuma, who had looked assured and resilient for much of his stay, was undone by the flight and guile of Jadeja—yet it was Jaiswal’s acrobatic leap and safe hands that stole the show, drawing applause from teammates, opposition, and the packed stands alike. The wicket signalled the end of an 84-run stand and was pivotal in reining in South Africa’s tempo just as they looked to accelerate.
Here’s the video:
A huge moment! Bavuma looks to go big, but Jadeja strikes and Jaiswal takes a sharp catch! 🔥#INDvSA 2nd Test LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/FonCjBDbFl pic.twitter.com/Sg4FnhH5ul
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 22, 2025
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IND vs SA: South Africa steady despite Indian fightback in Guwahati Test
Despite Jaiswal’s heroics, Day 1 largely belonged to South Africa, who ended the third session comfortably placed at 206/5 after 69 overs at a run rate hovering near 3 per over. The opening session was dominated by openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, who weathered the new-ball burst and stitched a crucial 82-run partnership. Both departed in quick succession courtesy of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, leaving the stage to the experienced Bavuma and young Tristan Stubbs.
Stubbs played a composed knock, mixing caution with aggression, and compiled 49 before falling to Kuldeep after Tea. The lower middle order survived some sharp spells, with Tony de Zorzi (9*) and Senuran Muthusamy (4*) at the crease when drinks were taken late in the final session. Key strikes from India’s spin duo, Kuldeep Yadav (3/30) and Jadeja (1/30)—kept India in the contest, but South Africa’s calculated blueprint of occupying the crease and rotating strike paid dividends.
India’s bowlers had to work extremely hard for each wicket. Bumrah displayed characteristic discipline (1/34 in 16), while Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar contained but could not penetrate. The Guwahati pitch, while offering some turn and slow movement, still rewarded patience and determination from the visitors.
Also WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah dismantles Aiden Markram’s stumps with a peach on Day 1 of the Guwahati Test
