Ajinkya Rahane's first session heroics with the bat and Ravindra Jadeja's final session efforts with the ball put India right on top at the close of play on Friday (December 4) as South Africa were skittled out for 121, giving India a first-innings lead of 213 runs.
South Africa had the opportunity to take complete command of the fixture on two occasions, and, on both, India snatched the initiative away from them. When the day two began, India were on 231 for 7, with Rahane and R Ashwin in the middle. The duo took full advantage of the easing wicket and powered their way through to a vital 98-run stand, helping India go past 300. It was Kyle Abbott's sustained pressure that claimed the final two wickets in the post-lunch session, notably of R Ashwin, who had gone past his 50 and looked set to frustrate the visitors by adding a few more runs. Abbott's five-wicket haul meant South Africa ensured they did not concede a first-innings total that could make a severe impact on the game.
At the tea break, South Africa had a fairly steady start as the wicket didn't seem to possess the kind of demons that were in Mohali and Nagpur. The early signs suggested Temba Bavuma could provide the kind of resolute fight at the top of the order that South Africa have missed through the series. Post tea, however, South Africa endured a stunning collapse.
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