South Africa’s lower-middle order continued to defy the Indian bowling attack, pushing their first innings total to a commanding 316 for 6 after 111 overs. Kyle Verreynne and Senuran Muthusamy remained unbroken, frustrating the hosts with a blend of resolute defense and calculated aggression.
Despite varied bowling changes and favorable conditions for the bowlers, the visitors managed to navigate through the session without losing a wicket, slowly building a platform that could dictate the remainder of the match.
As the shine wore off the ball, India introduced their spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar to break the deadlock. While the run rate hovered under three runs per over, the batters found ways to rotate the strike. Verreynne brought up the 300-run milestone for South Africa in the 103rd over, executing a precise late cut off Jadeja that raced past the third man fielder for four.
Tensions flared briefly when spinner Kuldeep Yadav was introduced into the attack. The left-arm wrist spinner received two warnings from the umpires for failing to start his over within the mandated 60 seconds under the new stop-clock regulations, risking a five-run penalty for the team.
The drama ensued, as Ravindra Jadeja nearly claimed the scalp of Muthusamy in the 105th over. A sweep shot resulted in a loud appeal for LBW, which was given out on the field. However, Muthusamy immediately reviewed the decision, and UltraEdge confirmed the ball had brushed the glove before striking the pads, overturning the decision.
By the 111th over, the partnership had settled into a comfortable rhythm against the turning ball. Muthusamy grew in confidence, punishing a short delivery from Kuldeep Yadav for a boundary through deep backward point to keep the scoreboard moving. With the bowlers tiring and the pitch seemingly easing out for the batters, India faces an uphill battle to wrap up the South African tail before the total climbs further out of reach.