South Africa pulled off a dramatic turnaround as they beat India by 30 runs in the opening Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and went 1-0 ahead in the two-match series.
India, chasing 124, collapsed for 93 in their second innings as South African bowling proved decisive.
Match Turning Points
After an Indian first-innings total of 189, South Africa replied with 159. In the second innings the Proteas managed 153, setting a modest target, yet one India failed to meet.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer led the attack with 4-21 in the second innings, and he finished with eight wickets in the match to take the player of the match award.
Temba Bavuma, the South African captain, was stellar with an unbeaten 55 in the second innings, the only fifty of the match, to guide his team from precarious innings to a defendable total.
The absence of skipper Shubman Gill owing to a neck injury proved costly for India as he did not bat in the second innings.
Pitch and Conditions
The Eden Gardens pitch had inconsistent bounce and sharp turn, which were difficult conditions for batsmen from either side. Coach Gautam Gambhir came in defense of the track, saying it was “exactly what we wanted” and that India simply failed to execute.
What it Means
The result ended India’s long unbeaten run at Eden Gardens and puts them under pressure ahead of the second Test in Guwahati starting November 22. It gave South Africa momentum and a psychological edge.
India will need to regroup fast, addressing batting collapses and adapting to challenging conditions, if they are to level the series. The second Test at least has all the makings of a high-stakes contest.
