Continuing their struggle with the bat in a low-scoring match, South Africa were desperately trying to hold themselves together at the close of play on day two of the first Test against India in Kolkata on Saturday.
When stumps were drawn, the SA team had stumbled to 93/7 in their second innings following another collapse.
They held a 63-run lead with just three wickets in hand. Captain Temba Bavuma was on 29 not out and all-rounder Corbin Bosch was unbeaten on one.
Veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja was the most destructive of India’s bowlers, taking 4/29 to keep the Proteas on the back foot.
India first innings
Earlier, after resuming their first innings at 37/1, trailing the Proteas by 122, India were well restricted by the Proteas attack.
The hosts were bowled out for 189 runs shortly after the drinks break in the second session, with opening batter KL Rahul top-scoring after making a 39-run contribution overnight.
Having been put on the back foot the day before, the South Africans managed to fight their way back into the game, led by Simon Harmer who took 4/30 to keep India under pressure.
Harmer was well backed by seamer Marco Jansen, who returned 3/35.
Despite the efforts of their bowlers, however, the SA batters continued to struggle after they were sent back in, and the tourists were facing an uphill battle on day three.
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