The opening Test Day 3 India vs South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, turned into an unforgettable three-day spectacle. In a result few anticipated, South Africa stunned India by 30 runs, ending a 15-year drought without a Test victory on Indian soil.
India reply was far from smooth. Despite KL Rahul’s determined 39, the hosts faltered against South Africa’m disciplined attack and could muster only 189, taking a slender but potentially important 30-runs lead .
The match tilted again during South Africa’s second innings. Indian spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel exploited the wearing surface perfectly, leaving the visitors wobbling at 93/7 by late Day 2. The Proteas appeared headed for a heavy defeat.
But captain Temba Bavuma produced a fighting innings under pressure. His unbeaten 55, stitched together 44 runs with valuable support from Corbin Bosch 25 , pushed South Africa to 153, giving them a fighting chance with a target of 124 for India. Ravindra Jadeja was picked of the bowler for India 4/50 in 20 overs .
India chasing 124 South Africa came out firing, with Marco Jansen striking twice before lunch to dismiss openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and makeshift opener KL Rahul, who stepped up due to Shubman Gill neck injury . India stumbled early at 10/2, set.
The real damage, however, came from the crafty off-spin of Simon Harmer. Using drift, dip, and relentless accuracy, Harmer carved through India’s middle order, grabbing 4/21 With partnerships failing to form and pressure mounting, only Washington Sundar showed resistance with a composed 31, while Axar saw some fireworks in keshav Maharaj over with 2 sixes and 1 fours but could get over the line managed 26 runs off 17 deliveries.
India collapse was swift and severe. They slid to 93/9, with Gill unavailable to bat, confirming a remarkable 30-run South African victory take 1-0 lead in two matches test series.
Temba Bhvuma Praise team after after historic win
It was an incredibly exciting match, the kind you dream of winning. We knew batting would be tough, so our focus was simply to stay in the game and make the most of whatever chances the pitch offered. Our bowlers pulled us back brilliantly, and the partnership with Bosch—and later Marcogave us the momentum we needed. Even defending 120-plus runs, we kept believing. Personally, I’ve worked hard to adapt to Indian conditions, making small technical adjustments and trusting my game. Simon and Kesh were outstanding, forming a strong spin partnership. My catch off Axar was a crucial moment, and I’m glad I could contribute. In the end, it was all about fighting together for the team.
India vs South Africa 1st Test Match summary
Toss: South Africa won the toss and Opted to bat first
South 1st innings: 159/10 in 55 overs
Top performer: Aiden Markram 31 runs off 48 deliveries, Jasprit Bumrah 5/27 in 14 overs
India 1st innings: 189/10 in 62.2 overs
Top performer: Kl Rahul 39 runs off 119 balls, Simon Harmer 4/30 in 15.4 overs
South Africa 2nd innings: 153/10 in 54 overs
Top performer: Temba Bavuma 55* off 136 deliveries , Ravindra Jadeja 4/50 in 20 overs
India 2nd innings: 93/10 in 35 overs
Top performer: Washington Sundar 31 runs off 92 balls, Simon Harmer 4/21 in 14 overs
Result: South Africa won by 30 runs take 1-0 lead in two matches series
Player of the match: Simon Harmer 8/51