South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in a tense, low scoring Test at Eden Gardens and took a 1-0 lead in the two match series. India fell apart in the fourth innings and now head to Guwahati for the second Test on November 22.
South Africa’s first innings
South Africa scored 159 after winning the toss. Aiden Markram made 31, while Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi added 24 each. Jasprit Bumrah led India with five wickets, supported by Mohammad Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav.
India’s reply and Harmer’s impact
India reached 189 and earned a slim 30 run lead. KL Rahul scored 39 and Washington Sundar added 29 before Simon Harmer took four wickets to keep the hosts within reach. The innings lacked partnerships and momentum.
Bavuma fights as India bowl well
South Africa made 153 in the second innings. Temba Bavuma held firm with an unbeaten 55 off 136 balls, but the rest of the lineup struggled. Ravindra Jadeja took four wickets while Kuldeep Yadav and Siraj added two each.
Injury setback for India
BCCI announced before Day 3 that Shubman Gill would miss the rest of the match due to a neck injury. KL Rahul opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal, and both fell early. India slipped to 2 for 1 inside three overs during the chase.
India’s collapse in the final innings
Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar added 32 runs, but the partnership did not last long. Axar Patel struck a quick 26 off 17 balls to revive hopes. India were dismissed for 93 as Harmer took four wickets and Jansen and Maharaj claimed two each.
Must win Test ahead
India now move to Guwahati with the task of levelling the series. The defeat exposed gaps in shot selection, temperament, and stability. The second Test will decide if India can recover from this setback.
