South Africa now stands on the verge of a first series win on Indian soil in more than 25 years - and with one day to go, it’s simply a matter of finishing the job. On Tuesday, the World Test Champions resumed their second innings on 26/0 after choosing not to enforce the follow-on, having bowled India out for 201 in their first innings thanks to a superb 6/48 in 19.5 overs by Marco Jansen.

The Proteas declared their second innings closed on 260/5, setting India a monumental 549-run target and taking a giant stride toward a famous whitewash.

Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen. Photo: Cricinfo

Tristan Stubbs anchored the innings with a composed 94 from 180 balls, while Tony de Zorzi added a brisk 49 off 68. Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder also chipped in with 35 apiece.

Ravindra Jadeja was India’s best performer with the ball, returning 4/62 in 28.3 overs, while Washington Sundar claimed 1/67 from his 22 overs. Chasing a record total, India’s reply got off to a shaky start. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal was the first to fall, caught behind by Kyle Verreynne off Jansen for 13, with the score on 17. Not long after, KL Rahul was bowled by Simon Harmer for 6, leaving India reeling on 21/2.

Tony de Zorzi. Photo: Cricinfo

At stumps, India were 27/2 and still needing an improbable 522 runs for victory with just one day of play remaining. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad defended the timing of the declaration, saying that while some felt it was slightly late, the strategy was deliberate and designed to squeeze India.

“We wanted India to come out again after the break and spend more time on their feet,” said Conrad. “Their bowlers were out there for a long time, and we saw the effects of batting for two full days in the first innings.

“It was never going to be easy for the openers this evening with the new ball and shadows across the wicket; we felt we could have struck there.

“If tomorrow evening we have them eight down and people say, ‘See, we told you so,’ then so be it.

“We base our decisions on sound judgment. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t; I don’t think there’s a right or wrong in any of this.”

Conrad added that while he believes the series is effectively secured, the Proteas will still go in all guns blazing on Wednesday to finish the job.

KL Rahul bowled out by Simon Harmer. Photo: Cricinfo

“Obviously, 2-0 is a lot better than 1-0, and I’d like to think the series is secured, but this game never ceases to amaze us,” he said. “We’re going to go all out for the win, and hopefully Marco and the spinners can do the job tomorrow.

“The wicket has stayed remarkably good, and we expected it to deteriorate more, but now there’s just a bit more consistent spin. We’ll give it our best shot tomorrow.”

Play at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati resumes at 05:30 on Wednesday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh