India found control on day one as Kuldeep Yadav delivered important breakthroughs on a slow and calm Guwahati pitch. The surface encouraged patience early, but it slowly eased out once the early moisture drifted away from the grass. South Africa wanted a bright start, yet the slow nature of the pitch forced them into long spells of watchfulness. Their batters worked hard but could not turn steady starts into a strong first-day score.
Rishabh Pant lost yet another toss, but India stayed calm and trusted their attack to create pressure. Jasprit Bumrah started with perfect discipline and forced South Africa to bat with caution and control. His tight lines kept the scoring below three an over and made every run feel hard earned. South Africa’s plan was simple: stretch partnerships and avoid risky shots. Yet each partnership ended just when it looked settled.
Tristan Stubbs looked sharp and played with good balance as he handled both pace and spin well. Temba Bavuma also stayed patient and used his strong defensive base to steady South Africa. Their stand looked promising until India raised intensity after lunch. Kuldeep spun the game around with clever drift and late dip, and Jadeja added steady support from the other end. The new venue offered a balanced contest, but India showed greater skill with their consistent discipline.
By stumps, South Africa ended on 247 for 6, a total that felt slightly below par. India walked off knowing they controlled large parts of the day with smart bowling and sharp catching.
Kuldeep Yadav Shifts Momentum with Smart Spells
Kuldeep Yadav controlled the middle session with smart flight and sharp turn that tested every South African batter. He began slowly, reading the pitch and understanding the pace he needed to bowl. The ball did not grip much, but his drift troubled the batters and made their judgment hard. His spell against Rickelton created pressure with clever angles and drew a loose drive that opened India’s door.
Kuldeep then attacked the pads with more confidence and forced Bavuma into mistakes. Bavuma tried to lift the scoring rate with inside-out strokes, but the dip from Kuldeep made those shots risky. India sensed an opening as South Africa looked eager to break the slow scoring pattern. That impatience suited Kuldeep, who relied on accuracy and deception instead of big turn. His next wicket came with a perfectly tossed-up delivery that tempted Mulder into an aggressive swing.
Pant supported him with sharp glovework and helped create pressure around the stumps. The close catchers moved tighter as the spell grew stronger and pushed South Africa into conservative shots. Each defensive push carried small risk because Kuldeep attacked with tight lines. His control ensured India never lost rhythm during the long afternoon session. The pitch helped in small phases, but the real impact came from Kuldeep’s consistency.
His three wickets kept India ahead and forced South Africa to rebuild again. It was the kind of spell that shaped the feel of the entire day and gave India a steady advantage.
Bumrah and Siraj Deliver Key Breaks at Vital Moments
Jasprit Bumrah controlled the first session with perfect length and steady pace movement. He worked patiently and made South Africa’s openers think twice before committing to their shots. His early spell did not bring wickets, but it controlled scoring and created long stretches of pressure. When he returned before tea, he bowled fuller and forced Markram into an error.
Mohammed Siraj closed the day with a fierce burst using the second new ball. He stayed fresh and attacked the channel outside off, even when conditions offered little swing. His best delivery moved away off the seam and removed de Zorzi with a thin edge. That wicket arrived at the perfect moment as light faded across the Guwahati skyline.
Bumrah and Siraj balanced India’s plan by giving Pant reliability at both ends. Their control supported Kuldeep and Jadeja through tight middle overs. Their impact kept South Africa from gaining momentum late in the day.
South Africa’s Starts Fade Without Conversion
South Africa began strongly with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton showing calm discipline against India’s new ball. They respected Bumrah’s control and avoided risky strokes early. Rickelton moved well across the crease and played with soft hands to reduce edge chances. Their stand grew slowly but created a sense of stability for the visitors. India watched patiently, knowing the pitch would ease and scoring chances would appear later.
Markram survived an early drop from KL Rahul but never looked fully settled. His defensive play felt tight, and his strike rotation stayed limited by India’s tight lines. When he tried to drive Bumrah just before the session break, he played inside the line and dragged the ball back onto the stumps. That wicket shifted momentum before tea and stopped South Africa’s early progress.
Stubbs and Bavuma rebuilt calmly in the next phase. Their stand added much-needed stability and kept the innings moving at a safe pace. Stubbs looked comfortable using soft hands, while Bavuma waited for rare loose balls. Their scoring rate lifted slightly after lunch, but India kept them in check with disciplined pressure.
Once Stubbs fell to Kuldeep’s first ball after a break, South Africa lost rhythm. Each batter reached a start but failed to cross fifty. That lack of conversion kept their total below what the pitch seemed to offer.
Conclusion
India ended day one in a strong position after combining control, discipline, and patience in Guwahati. The pitch stayed calm for long periods, but India created chances by attacking small mistakes. Kuldeep Yadav led the attack with his clever variations and steady control, while Bumrah and Siraj added perfect balance with their short, sharp bursts. Jadeja supported them by keeping one end locked with tight lines. The combined effect kept South Africa from building any long partnership.
South Africa will feel frustrated that no one pushed past fifty on such a stable pitch. Their batters produced slow but steady starts, yet each dismissal came at a critical moment. The lack of a big partnership kept them from finishing the day with full control. Their total of 247 for 6 leaves the match open, but slightly tilted in India’s favour. The second new ball spell from Siraj came at the perfect time and prevented South Africa from closing the day comfortably.
India will walk into day two knowing early wickets can fold the innings quickly. The pitch should remain slow and helpful for spin, but India’s quicks will still create movement during the first hour. A strong morning session can bring a clear advantage and set up the match for a commanding lead. South Africa need a steady partnership to reach a safe total.
This balanced day showed how India used intelligence to outplay a side that fought hard. The next session will decide how far India can push their early advantage.
