The third Test match between South Africa and India hangs in the balance, as India leads South Africa by 70 runs. 

South Africa began Day 2 on 17/1, having lost Dean Elgar at the end of Day 1. A sharp in-swinger from Jasprit Bumrah bowled Aiden Markram in the first over of the day itself. Night watchman, Keshav Maharaj, and Keegan Petersen built a steady partnership of 28 runs, before Maharaj was dismissed for 25 off 45 balls by Umesh Yadav. 

Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen rebuilt the South African innings with a partnership of 67 runs. Petersen demonstrated an impressive balance between attack and defense through his innings, while van der Dussen was resolute in defense. Petersen hit exquisite drives off the front and back foot, punishing rare overpitched, short, and wide deliveries, in what was otherwise an unrelenting display of disciplined bowling from Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, and Ravichandran Ashwin. 

Van der Dussen’s dismissal for 21 brought in Temba Bavuma, who stitched a useful 47-run partnership with Petersen. Bavuma looked in fine touch, scoring 28 off 65 balls. It took a sharp catch from Virat Kohli in the slips to dismiss Bavuma. Bavuma’s dismissal triggered a batting collapse, as Kyle Verreyne and Marco Jansen departed soon after. Keegan Petersen was later dismissed for a fine 72 off 166 balls. Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier frustrated the Indians with a 21-run partnership. South Africa were bowled out for 210. 

The Indian bowling unit brought India back into the game after the batters scored a below-par 223 runs on Day 1. Bumrah, Shami, Yadav, Thakur, and Ashwin were unrelenting throughout the day, as they chipped away at the South African batting lineup, ensuring that India always stayed in the game. Bumrah was the standout bowler, picking five wickets and conceding 42 runs in 23.3 overs. Shami and Yadav were equally impressive, picking two wickets each. Shardul Thakur picked one wicket.  

With the Indians returning to bat towards the end of Day 2, Kagiso Rabada continued bowling tight lines, and soon reaped the benefits, with Indian opener, Mayank Agarwal, edging one to the slips for 7 off 15 balls. Marco Jansen also struck with the wicket of KL Rahul for 10 off 22 balls. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli prevented further damage and guided India to 57/2 at stumps, with India leading South Africa by 70 runs.