The second Test in Johannesburg is heading toward an exciting finish on Day 4. Dean Elgar (46*) and Rassie van der Dussen (11*) have batted with confidence and stability, making the chase of 240 look manageable. Elgar, in particular, showed great toughness, weathering some physical blows while still finding gaps for some stunning shots. South Africa ended the third day at 118/2.
The second Test seems poised for a gripping fourth-day finish in Johannesburg. South African Skipper Dean Elgar (46*) and Rassie vd Dussen (11*) batted brilliantly and looked steady on their chase of 240. Elgar took some nasty blows but gave a good fight by playing some beautiful shots. The Proteas reached 118/2 at Stumps Day 3.
The Proteas have been clinical, securing eight wickets and knocking nearly half the runs off the target. They currently hold the upper hand and are favorites to defeat the stubborn Indian side to tie the series. India had previously looked dominant thanks to a sturdy 111-run partnership from Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who both crossed the 50-run mark.
The tide turned when Rabada dismissed Rahane for 58 and shortly after ousted Pujara for 53 via LBW. A poor shot saw Rishabh Pant go for a duck, while Lungi Ngidi claimed Ashwin for 16. Shardul Thakur added some aggression to the total with a 28-run cameo featuring a six and four fours before falling to Marco Jansen. Ultimately, an unbeaten 40 from Vihari pushed India's final score to 266.
Shardul Thakur (28) played a cameo by smashing 4 fours and a six before being dismissed by Marco Jansen. Vihari remained unbeaten on 40 and helped his side to reach a decent total of 266.
Both Mohammed Shami and Siraj failed to score, falling for ducks. A bit more resilience from the lower order could have given India a safer cushion. In the second innings, Aiden Markram made a brisk 31 before Shardul Thakur trapped him LBW, and Petersen added 28 before Ashwin took his wicket. To reclaim control, the Indian bowling attack needs to find their peak intensity and take a cluster of quick wickets; the seamers specifically need a moment of magic to turn the game back in their favor.