The opening day of the second Test in Guwahati saw South Africa finish at 247/6 before bad light forced early stumps. On a surface providing good batting conditions but a constant threat from India's attack, the visitors built their innings around crucial partnerships, while India kept picking wickets at regular intervals.
South Africa, having elected to bat first, began slowly against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton negotiated the early movement well, stitching a brilliant opening stand. Markram had a reprieve when KL Rahul dropped him on four, but Bumrah got him eventually in the last over before lunch, breaking a 50-run stand.
Post lunch, Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs added 84 runs for the third wicket. India, however, didn't let the partnership run away as Ravindra Jadeja removed Bavuma for 41 after he mistimed a drive, and Kuldeep Yadav continued his impact throughout the day.