Spectacular Muthusamy Century and Jansen’s 93 Propel South Africa to Commanding Lead
On November 24, 2025, South Africa established a commanding position in the Test series against India. The visitors scored 489 runs in their first innings and built a strong lead, reaching 26 runs without loss at the end of the day’s play. Currently, South Africa leads by 314 runs after bowling India out for just 201.
Jansen’s Five-Wicket Haul Secures Dominance
Marco Jansen was the standout performer, achieving figures of 6 for 48. He also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 93 runs. This performance marked his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket and showcased his incredible skill on the Indian pitch.
India’s Batting Collapse
India started their innings steadily, reaching 95 for 1. However, they quickly collapsed to 122 for 7. Many players struggled to counter Jansen’s aggressive bouncers, with notable dismissals including Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was the only Indian to reach a half-century with 58 runs.
Key Statistics from the Match
- South Africa: 489 all out
- India: 201 all out
- Jansen’s Bowling: 6 wickets for 48 runs
- Top Scorer for India: Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 runs)
- South Africa’s Lead: 314 runs after three days
Challenges for India’s Batting Line-up
India’s batting lineup displayed signs of inexperience. With Nos. 3 and 4 having less than 1,000 career runs combined, pressure mounted. The team struggled to adapt, facing challenges from South Africa’s spin bowlers Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj.
Fast Bowling Strategy by South Africa
Jansen’s strategy included short-pitched bowling, which proved effective on a surface that seemed relatively easy for batting. His ability to generate bounce and provoke mistakes from Indian batsmen was crucial. The contrasting performance of Indian bowlers, who had to quickly get back into action, further exemplifies the pressure faced by the home team.
As Day 3 concluded, South Africa remains in a strong position to clinch the series. With two innings remaining, India needs a significant turnaround to avoid their second home series defeat in under a year.
