South Africa is now in complete control of the match. At the end of the fourth day’s play, India lost two early wickets while chasing a target of 549. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav were at the crease at stumps.
South Africa inched closer to their first series win in India in 25 years. They built a strong lead over nearly five hours on the fourth day of the Test. The visitors declared at a seemingly cautious point. India now needs to save eight wickets on the final day to stop South Africa from claiming all 12 WTC points. This result could hand India their second home whitewash in 12 months.
Pitch Turns Against India
The pitch, easy for South Africa to bat on for 70.3 overs, became tough for India in 15.5 overs. Marco Jansen bowled short and bounced Yashasvi Jaiswal before dismissing him with a cut shot. Simon Harmer, who outperformed India’s spinners throughout the series, trapped KL Rahul with an off-break through the gate. He nearly got B Sai Sudharsan lbw.
South Africa Plays Smart
South Africa avoided risks while chasing full points. The ball started to turn sharply in the first session. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar bowled long spells. Jadeja caught Ryan Rickelton at extra cover and later hit Aiden Markram’s off stump. Sundar got Temba Bavuma caught at backward short leg. Three wickets fell for just 18 runs, but South Africa stayed cautious.
India’s Batters Fight Back
Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi kept the threat of spin away with sweeps and reverse sweeps. Stubbs escaped a stumping by Rishabh Pant. After lunch, Stubbs scored 32 off 19 balls. He took the team past Australia’s 542-run mark in Nagpur, 2004. He slog-swept Jadeja from 88 to 94, but Jadeja slowed the ball to stop him from reaching 100. Stubbs remains the top scorer of the series with 163 runs.
Fast Bowlers Trouble India
India’s openers struggled on the turning pitch. Jansen’s short bowling unsettled Yashasvi Jaiswal. He fell again to his cut shot. KL Rahul played cautiously, scoring six off 30 balls. Harmer trapped him with a tricky delivery that forced a flick. Harmer and Jansen now share the series’ highest wickets with 12 each.
Final Day Challenge Looms
Harmer almost got Sai Sudharsan lbw, but umpire’s call saved the batsman. India survived the session, but wickets could fall anytime. Light faded by 4 pm, leaving South Africa six hours to take eight wickets and secure the series win.