India walked off the field firmly ahead at the end of Day 1 after Kuldeep Yadav’s sharp, disciplined bowling performance cut through South Africa’s middle order and left the hosts wobbling at 247/6. On a surface that didn’t offer much early movement, Kuldeep showed why he has become India’s most reliable red-ball spinner of the last two seasons, finishing the day with 3/48 and shifting the momentum every time South Africa looked set to steady themselves.
South Africa started the day with intent, getting past the initial overs without too many alarms. Their openers focused on eliminating the fuller driving lines and forcing India’s seamers into shorter lengths. It worked in patches, but India’s attack applied pressure in short, tight spells, refusing to allow any free scoring. The early breakthroughs came through disciplined seam bowling, setting the stage for Kuldeep’s entry into the game.
Once introduced, Kuldeep immediately changed the rhythm of the innings. His pace variations trapped batters on the crease, and the drift he extracted under still afternoon conditions made the left-hander particularly hard to line up. His first strike broke a promising stand and forced South Africa to rebuild. Each of his wickets came at a crucial moment—one just as a partnership was forming, another right after the drinks break, and a third when South Africa were trying to revive their innings late in the session.
South Africa’s middle order battled, but they were never fully in control. A few well-compiled starts—players reaching the 30s and 40s—helped push the total past 200, but none managed to play the long, anchoring innings the situation demanded. India maintained control through the day with smartly rotated bowling, well-placed fields, and relentless discipline. Every time South Africa attempted to shift gears, either a false shot or a tight over brought them back in check.
By the final hour, India sensed the chance to close the day strongly. Their energy in the field stayed sharp—diving stops, quick chases, and pressure around the bat gave Kuldeep and the seamers the backing required to keep squeezing. When the sixth wicket fell, South Africa made the call to consolidate rather than counterattack. The pair at the crease survived to stumps, but India clearly finished the day with the upper hand.
Looking ahead, the match is now set up for India to dictate terms on Day 2. With the ball already turning a touch and the pitch expected to slow down further, early wickets in the morning could expose South Africa’s tail and shape the innings decisively. Kuldeep will again be central to India’s plans, especially if the ball begins gripping more. India’s batting lineup will be eager to get out there, but they’ll want to wrap up the last four wickets quickly first.
The opening day belonged to India—controlled, composed, and clinical. Kuldeep Yadav’s spell was the difference, and if India continue in the same vein, they’ll be well placed to seize full control of the Test by the end of Day 2.
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