A masterful display of fast bowling from Marco Jansen has put South Africa on the verge of a historic Test series victory in India, a feat they haven't achieved since 2000. Jansen's 6 for 48 dismantled the Indian batting lineup in the second Test in Guwahati, leaving the hosts reeling and facing a daunting task to save the match and the series.

India, responding to South Africa's imposing first innings total of 489, were bundled out for a mere 201. The collapse occurred despite a seemingly good batting pitch, highlighting the pressure exerted by the South African bowlers, particularly Jansen. The lanky left-arm seamer utilized his height to generate disconcerting bounce, peppering the Indian batsmen with short-pitched deliveries that they struggled to handle. This approach proved highly effective, with all six of Jansen's wickets coming from short balls.

The Indian innings experienced a disastrous period either side of the tea interval, losing six wickets for just 27 runs in a mere 11.1 overs. This collapse extinguished any hopes of India mounting a competitive response. While Yashasvi Jaiswal offered some resistance with a score of 58, and Washington Sundar contributed a resilient 48, the rest of the batting order failed to provide substantial support.

Jansen's performance not only secured his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests but also etched his name in the record books. He became only the third visiting player since 2000 to score a fifty and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test match in India. His figures are also among the best by a left-arm fast bowler in Tests in India, a testament to the rarity of such achievements for overseas pacers on Indian soil.

At the end of day three, South Africa reached 26-0, extending their lead to 314. Despite holding a commanding lead of 288 runs after India's first innings, South Africa opted not to enforce the follow-on, choosing instead to bat again and further extend their advantage. This decision suggests that the Proteas aim to set India a target in excess of 450, giving their bowlers ample time to exploit the conditions and secure a series-clinching victory.

The victory in the first Test by 30 runs in Kolkata has given South Africa a significant advantage in the two-match series. With Jansen in top form and the Indian batting lineup struggling to cope with the pace and bounce, South Africa are in a strong position to achieve their first Test series win in India in 25 years. For India, the task ahead is monumental, requiring a herculean effort to overcome the deficit and avoid a rare series defeat on home soil.