South Africa secured a historic first Test victory in India in 15 years, defeating the hosts by 30 runs in a gripping low-scoring opener at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer starred with eight wickets in the match, while captain Temba Bavuma notched his 10th win in 11 Tests at the helm.
India’s hopes of chasing 124 were dashed after home skipper Shubman Gill was forced to retire hurt with neck spasms, leaving Rishabh Pant to lead the innings. The visitors, however, battled expertly to bowl India out for 93, wrapping up the contest in dramatic fashion. Harmer built on his first-innings 4-30 by taking another four wickets (4-21) in the second innings, cutting through India’s batting line-up with ruthless precision.
The match saw a late flourish from Axar Patel, who struck 26 off just 17 balls, hitting two sixes and a four in a brief attempt to rescue India. His effort, however, ended when he holed out in the deep off Keshav Maharaj, with Bavuma taking a sensational running catch. Maharaj immediately dismissed Mohammed Siraj to seal a memorable win for South Africa.
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The Proteas’ victory was historic, ending a run in India that had seen them lose seven and draw one of their previous eight Tests since their innings triumph in Nagpur in 2010. Earlier, South Africa had posted 159 in their first innings before India responded with 189, setting the stage for a tense chase. Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 was the only half-century of the match, supported by Corbin Bosch’s 25 as South Africa applied consistent pressure with their bowlers.
Seamer Marco Jansen struck early, removing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and KL Rahul (1) as India slumped to 38-4, while Harmer accounted for Pant (2) and Dhruv Jurel (13). He continued his dominance by trapping Ravindra Jadeja (18) lbw, catching Washington Sundar (31) off Aiden Markram, and dismissing Kuldeep Yadav lbw.
With Maharaj’s final strike, South Africa wrapped up a remarkable victory, keeping alive the chance of only their second series win in India in Tests and their first since a 2-0 sweep in Mumbai and Bengaluru in 2000.
The two-Test series will conclude in Guwahati from 22-26 November, before the teams meet for a three-match ODI series and five T20 internationals.
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