SA Rout India In 1st Test After Simon Harmer Weaves Spin Trouble

South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in a low-scoring first Test at Eden Gardens marked by dramatic batting collapses.

South Africa clinched a hard-fought 30-run victory against India in the first Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. The match concluded within three days as both teams struggled on a challenging pitch, with the visitors ultimately holding their nerve to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

The game proved particularly costly for India, who lost captain Shubman Gill to a neck spasm during the match. His absence during the final chase significantly impacted the home team’s chances.

ALSO READ | Shreyas Iyer Unlikely to Be Fit for South Africa ODIs | Reports

Match Turns on Bowling Performances

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, South Africa found themselves in immediate trouble. Jasprit Bumrah dismantled the top order, removing openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram early. Despite resistance from Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi, Kuldeep Yadav’s spin broke their partnership. Tristan Stubbs remained not out on 15 as Bumrah’s five-wicket haul helped bowl out South Africa for 159 in 55 overs.

India’s response faced early setbacks when Marco Jansen dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal. KL Rahul (39) and Washington Sundar built a 57-run partnership, but captain Gill retired hurt with a neck spasm. Rishabh Pant’s brisk 27 provided momentum, but spinner Simon Harmer’s four-wicket haul, combined with Jansen’s three wickets, limited India to 189, securing a slim 30-run lead.

South Africa’s second innings began disastrously, collapsing to 40/4 as Ravindra Jadeja claimed three quick wickets. Captain Temba Bavuma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 55, supported by Corbin Bosch’s 25, but the team was dismissed for 153, setting India a target of 124.

ALSO READ | “Rizwan Made Way for Me”: Shaheen Afridi Opens Up on Pakistan Captaincy Decision

India’s chase never gained momentum as Jansen removed both openers early. Sundar fought hard with 31, but Harmer’s four-wicket spell dismantled the middle order. Axar Patel’s 26 offered brief hope, but with Gill unable to bat, India collapsed to 93 all out, handing South Africa a memorable victory.