South Africa produced one of their most memorable victories on Indian soil, bowling out India for just 93 on a spinning Eden Gardens surface to clinch a sensational 30-run win in the first Test at Kolkata. The triumph, their first Test victory in India in 15 years, ensured they cannot lose the two-match series.
Proteas Flip the Script on a Spinners’ Track
On a pitch where India’s spinners were expected to dominate, it was South Africa’s attack that turned the contest on its head. Defending a modest target of 124, they ran through India in 35 overs, with rookie off-spinner Simon Harmer leading the charge with 4-21.
South Africa, bowled out for 159 on the opening day, resumed the third morning on 93 for seven and added crucial runs to stretch their lead to 123. Captain Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 and a gritty 44-run stand with Corbin Bosch gave the visitors a total that proved far more than competitive.
It was very exciting. We want to be part of these games and be on the right side of the result. A score of 120 is not one you always believe you’re in the game with, but the bowlers kept bringing us back.
Bavuma’s Grit and Bosch’s Bravery Change the Game
India, starting the day as favourites, were pushed back early by South Africa’s resolve. Bosch reverse-swept Kuldeep Yadav for six before Jasprit Bumrah shattered his off-stump. Bavuma, calm and compact, brought up the first half-century of the match with a streaky boundary behind square. His seventh 50+ score in 11 Tests captured the ebb and flow of a morning session that decisively shifted momentum.
Mohammed Siraj struck twice to end South Africa’s innings, but by then the visitors had stitched together enough runs to build a psychological edge.
India Collapse Under Relentless Pressure
India’s chase began disastrously. Marco Jansen removed Yashasvi Jaiswal for a four-ball duck and then surprised KL Rahul with extra bounce to make it two down early. The pressure never eased, with Harmer keeping one end in a chokehold.
After lunch, Dhruv Jurel’s fluency and Washington Sundar’s patience steadied India briefly, but South Africa’s discipline paid off. Harmer removed Jurel with a miscued pull after a 20-ball squeeze that produced just one run. The dismissal began a slide that India could never recover from.
Rishabh Pant survived one scare, replays saving him from a catch off his forearm, but fell soon after when Harmer plucked a firm straight drive out of the air.
We should have been able to chase it. A score of 120 can be tricky on these surfaces, but we needed to soak in the pressure and capitalise.
Harmer, Maharaj and Markram Apply the Final Squeeze
Harmer trapped Ravindra Jadeja lbw with a dipping fuller delivery before Markram delivered another blow by finding Sundar’s outside edge after a stoic 31 off 92 balls. Harmer then removed Kuldeep Yadav, who reviewed in vain.
Axar Patel’s late hitting briefly revived the crowd, but Keshav Maharaj ended the resistance, first dismissing Axar with a mis-hit slog-sweep and then removing Siraj the very next ball. With that, South Africa sealed a dramatic victory that left the Eden Gardens stunned and the Proteas’ camp erupting in joy.
Final Word
South Africa showed remarkable resilience, discipline, and belief in defending a total that seemed insufficient on paper. India, expected to cruise, were undone by sustained pressure and smart, rotating spells. The series moves forward with South Africa holding a psychological and historical breakthrough.
