South Africa reeled India to 27-2, after declaring their innings and setting a mammoth target of 549, to be on the verge of a series victory in Tuesday’s second Test.
South Africa declared 260-5 in the final session of the fourth day in Guwahati after Tristan Stubbs made 94.
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World Test champions South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0 and even a draw would seal their first series win in India since 2000.
India suffered their fourth defeat in six Tests at home in the first match in Kolkata and the hosts need to fight for three more sessions to avoid another defeat.
The highest run chase in Test cricket was West Indies’ 418 against Australia in 2003. India’s highest run chase was 406 against West Indies in 1976.
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Sai Sudharsan (2) and night watchman Kuldeep Yadav (4) were fighting for survival when poor light ended the games in the northeastern city, where the sun sets early.
South Africa spearhead Marco Jansen dismissed left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal with a short delivery outside off stump to have him caught for 13.
Left-arm quick Jansen took his match tally to seven wickets after figures of 6-48 in India’s first innings.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer bowled KL Rahul, the other opener, for six.
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South Africa need eight more wickets to make it 2-0, while India need to bat on day five to salvage a draw.
Stubbs was earlier the last man out when he was bowled by left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who took 4-62. Wiaan Mulder was undefeated on 35.
Stubbs made 101 for the fourth wicket with Tony de Zorzi, who was on 49 when Jadeja broke through.
Jadeja had de Zorzi lbw deny the batsman his fifty, but Stubbs stood firm to frustrate the Indian bowlers in a 180-ball stay studded with nine fours and a six.
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South Africa rallied to 26-0 after bowling out India for 201 on day three to lead by 288 in the first innings.
They did not enforce the follow-up and decided to strike again to put misery on the hosts.
Left-handed opener Ryan Rickelton hit three fours in the first session before falling to Jadeja as he attempted another hit at cover but was caught behind for 35.
Jadeja bowled the other overnight batter, Aiden Markram, for 29 before compatriot Washington Sundar dismissed skipper Temba Bavuma for three.
India’s players looked tired during a South African innings that lasted 78.3 overs, as disappointed home fans in a largely empty stadium waited for the agony to end.
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