South Africa Beat India After 15 Years on Indian Soil – Bavuma Leads from the Front

South Africa registered a memorable Test victory on Indian soil after 15 years, defeating India by 30 runs in the first Test at Kolkata. Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, the visitors made a remarkable comeback despite conceding a 30-run lead in the first innings. India appeared to be in control initially, but South African bowlers produced a brilliant spell in the second innings, dismantling the Indian batting lineup and giving their team a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

On the third day, South Africa were bowled out for 153 in their second innings, setting India a target of 124 runs. However, the Indian batting completely collapsed, folding for just 93 runs. Six Indian batsmen couldn’t even reach double digits, struggling against disciplined South African bowling.

Eden Gardens is known as one of the toughest venues to chase targets above 100. After India chased 117 here in 2004, no team managed to successfully chase a target of more than 100 in Test cricket at this venue. This time too, India failed to break that pattern.

Temba Bavuma played a crucial role in South Africa’s win. His unbeaten half-century in the second innings helped the team set a respectable target. Under Bavuma’s captaincy, the Proteas have now played 11 Tests and won 10 of them  an impressive leadership record.

India’s chase started poorly. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a duck, and KL Rahul was out for just one run. Washington Sundar tried to stabilize the innings and top-scored with 31, while Dhruv Jurel contributed 13. But India kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Axar Patel brought some hope with aggressive hitting, smashing fours and sixes off Keshav Maharaj. But in an attempt to go big once again, he lost his wicket at a crucial stage. Had Axar stayed longer, India might have had a chance.

For South Africa, Simon Harmer was the star with four wickets. Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj picked up two wickets each, while Aiden Markram chipped in with one.

Among India’s batsmen, Ravindra Jadeja scored 18, Jurel made 13, Pant scored 2, Kuldeep Yadav and KL Rahul managed only 1 each. Jasprit Bumrah remained not out. Captain Shubman Gill did not bat due to an injury sustained in the first innings.