American Marconi Wireless News - India 90-5 to put South Africa on cusp of 2-0 Test sweep

World Test champions South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0 and even a draw would seal their first series victory in India since 2000.

But the South African bowlers led by off-spinner Harmer (4-23) pushed for a big win with regular strikes in India's mammoth chase of 549 in Guwahati.

Overnight batsman Sai Sudharsan, on 14, and fellow left-hander Ravindra Jadeja, on 23, were batting at the first break.

Tea comes before lunch because the intervals are reversed in the northeastern city due to early sunsets.

India suffered their fourth defeat in six home Tests in the opener in Kolkata and they need to bat for two more sessions to avoid another loss.

The hosts resumed on 27-2 and rode their luck early on when Marco Jansen had Sudharsan caught behind but the delivery was declared a no-ball after the left-arm quick overstepped. The batsman was on four.

In the next over Kuldeep Yadav survived a reprieve on four when Aiden Markram dropped him at first slip off Harmer.

The relief was shortlived for India as Harmer bowled Kuldeep for five for the first wicket of the day.

Three balls later Harmer dismissed Dhruv Jurel for two, then he sent back skipper Rishabh Pant for 13 as India slumped to 58-5.

P.Mathewson--AMWN