Guwahati: Senuran Muthusamy produced a resilient half-century to steady South Africa as they reached 316/6 at the first break on day two of the second Test against India on Sunday.

Resuming the morning at 247/6, overnight pair Muthusamy (56)* and Kyle Verreynne (38)* extended their crucial unbroken seventh-wicket stand to 70, safely navigating India’s attack during a slow-scoring first session in Guwahati.

Play began 30 minutes early to counter early evening darkness in the northeast venue, with the session timings adjusted—tea taken before lunch.

South Africa, who opted to bat first after winning the toss on Saturday, are pushing for their first Test series win in India in 25 years, having taken a 1-0 lead with a victory in the opening match.

Verreynne drove a boundary to take South Africa past 300, before Muthusamy reached his fifty with a single off Ravindra Jadeja, displaying fine composure against spin.

It marked the first half-century of the innings, after Tristan Stubbs fell for 49 and captain Temba Bavuma contributed 41, the pair adding 84 runs for the third wicket on day one.

The duo showed solid footwork against spin in a grinding opening hour, which produced only 28 runs, including two boundaries.

Muthusamy survived a scare on 48 when Jadeja trapped him lbw, but the South African successfully reviewed the decision, with replays confirming a faint glove touch before the ball hit the pad.