South Africa Stun India In Kolkata Thriller; Seal 30-Run Win & 1-0 Lead

South Africa pulled off a stunning 30-run victory over India in the first Test at Eden Gardens, grabbing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Despite being bowled out for just 159 on the opening day, the World Test Championship winners mounted a fierce comeback.

They bundled India out for 93 in 35 overs on Day 3 while defending a modest 124.

This victory marked South Africa’s first Test win in India in 15 years.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer led the attack with a brilliant 4-21, while support from Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, and Keshav Maharaj dismantled India on a pitch where every run mattered.

India missed Shubman Gill, who was unavailable due to neck surgery.

Earlier, Temba Bavuma’s gritty unbeaten 55 and his crucial stand with Corbin Bosch pushed South Africa to 153 in their second innings, extending the lead to a match-defining 123.

Bavuma batted with composure, defended with soft hands, and picked his moments smartly.

Bosch added timely boundaries, sweeping Jadeja and reverse-sweeping Kuldeep before Bumrah removed him.

Bavuma reached his half-century with a streaky four and recorded his seventh fifty-plus score in 11 Tests. Siraj then struck twice to wrap up the visitors’ innings.

India’s chase started in chaos. Jansen removed Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck and dismissed KL Rahul soon after.

Harmer and Jansen applied relentless pressure, forcing Jurel and Sundar to fight for survival until lunch.

Post-lunch, Jurel’s flicks and Sundar’s patience hinted at stability, but South Africa’s pressure remained unbroken.

Jurel miscued a pull off Harmer, and Pant soon chipped a firm drive back to the off-spinner. Jadeja fell lbw to Harmer, costing India a review.

Markram struck next by removing Sundar, ending his gritty 31 off 92 balls.

Axar Patel briefly ignited hope with a four and two sixes off Maharaj, but the spinner dismissed him and Siraj in consecutive deliveries to seal the match.

Also Read: Jadeja Spins South Africa Into Trouble As Hosts Reach 93/7, Lead India By 63 Runs