🏏 Day 2 Match Report: India vs South Africa – 1st Test, Freedom Trophy 2025

India seized control on Day 2 of the 1st Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, reducing the visitors to 93/7 in their second innings and trailing by just 63 runs. Ravindra Jadeja’s four-wicket spell and Jasprit Bumrah’s earlier five-for have put India on the brink of victory.

Bowling Dominance Defines the Day

• Ravindra Jadeja turned the tide in the final session, claiming 4 wickets for 29 runs in a devastating spell that dismantled South Africa’s top and middle order.
• Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah had set the tone with a 5-wicket haul (5/27) on Day 1, becoming the first Indian pacer since Ishant Sharma (2019) to take five wickets on Day 1 of a home Test.
• South Africa’s second innings crumbled to 93/7 in 35 overs, with only Temba Bavuma (29*) showing resistance.

India’s First Innings: Grit Over Glamour

• India responded to South Africa’s 159 with 189 all out, securing a slender 30-run lead.
• KL Rahul top-scored with a gritty 39 off 119 balls, while Rishabh Pant and Jadeja chipped in with 27 each.
• South African bowlers Simon Harmer (4/30) and Marco Jansen (3/35) kept India in check on a pitch that deteriorated rapidly.

Pitch Conditions: A Surprise Twist

• The Eden Gardens surface, expected to be batting-friendly for two days, turned treacherous by Day 2.
• Commentators noted the pitch was not watered before the match, contributing to unpredictable bounce and turn.
• With 15 wickets falling on Day 2 alone, the match has become a low-scoring thriller reminiscent of Durban 2010-11.

Injury Update

• India captain Shubman Gill retired hurt due to a neck spasm after facing just three balls. He did not return to bat or field.

Brief Scores

India now stands on the cusp of victory with three days remaining. If the pitch continues to assist bowlers, a result could come as early as Day 3.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Freedom Trophy unfolds.