Sat Jan 04 09:00:00 UTC 2025: ## India Dominates Day 2, While Domestic Cricket Sees Upsets and Close Calls
**Cape Town, South Africa/Various Indian Cities** – India took a commanding 145-run lead over South Africa on Day 2 of their ongoing Test match. South Africa, having won the toss and elected to bat, struggled against the Indian bowlers. Elsewhere, in the world of domestic cricket, a series of thrilling victories marked the day.
Several Indian state teams secured dominant wins in their respective matches, with Tamil Nadu achieving a 10-wicket victory with a massive 240 balls to spare. Other convincing wins were recorded by Assam (6 wickets, 79 balls remaining), Gujarat (6 wickets, 199 balls remaining), Haryana (4 wickets, 18 balls remaining), Uttarakhand (4 wickets, 7 balls remaining), Chhattisgarh (7 wickets, 9 balls remaining), Vidarbha (8 wickets, 16 balls remaining), and Bengal (6 wickets, 45 balls remaining). Maharashtra also secured a narrow 5-wicket win with 15 balls remaining. The close nature of many matches highlights the intense competition in domestic Indian cricket.
Meanwhile, in the international arena, centuries by Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma highlighted South Africa’s efforts against India, despite their eventual deficit. Pakistan, facing an intriguing pitch in Cape Town, continues to grapple with team selection decisions. The ongoing Test series is adding to the speculation around Pakistan’s form, especially in light of recent criticism. Finally, Afghanistan took a 40-run lead in another match, needing only 106 runs in 72 balls to secure a victory. The ongoing injury crisis for Pakistan continues, with Ayub ruled out of the Cape Town Test due to an ankle injury.
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