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Simon Harmer's dual 4-fers help South Africa humble India in dramatic 124-run chase in Kolkata

Akshita Patel

South Africa overpower India in Kolkata Test [Source: AFP Photos]South Africa overpower India in Kolkata Test [Source: AFP Photos]

The first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens turned into a low-scoring thriller, where both teams fought hard. But the visitors held their nerve to win by 30 runs. 

The match moved quickly across four innings. Simon Harmer played a key role with the ball, picking up two four-wicket-hauls, whereas Temba Bavuma showed grit with the bat.

For India, losing captain Shubman Gill to a neck spasm proved costly, as they lost yet another home Test.

Bumrah’s fifer got South Africa bowled out for 159

South Africa won the toss and chose to bat, but India started strong with Jasprit Bumrah removing both openers, Rickelton and Markram, early. 

Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi tried to steady the innings, but Kuldeep Yadav’s spin broke the partnership. 

Tristan Stubbs was the only one who showed patience, staying unbeaten on 15 while wickets kept falling at the other end. 

Bumrah finished with a brilliant five-wicket haul, and South Africa were bowled out for just 159 in 55 overs, giving India early control.

Simon Harmer and Jansen fight back as India take 30-run lead

India’s reply wasn’t smooth either. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early to Marco Jansen, but KL Rahul and Washington Sundar stitched an important 57-run stand to steady the innings. 

Rahul played a gritty knock of 39 from 119 balls, holding the innings together. Shubman Gill, the skipper, walked out retired hurt after he sustained a neck spasm injury.

Then, Rishabh Pant’s quick 27 gave India a small push, but Simon Harmer’s sharp off-spin turned the game. He took four wickets, including Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel in quick succession. 

Jansen also chipped in with three wickets. India were eventually bowled out for 189, taking a 30-run lead, which was useful but not match-deciding.

Temba Bavuma stood tall as Jadeja struck back

South Africa needed a solid second innings to stay in the match, but India’s spinners struck early again. Ravindra Jadeja removed Markram, Mulder, and Stubbs, while Kuldeep dismissed Rickelton. At 40/4, South Africa were in deep trouble.

But captain Temba Bavuma played one of the innings of his life, scoring a calm and determined 55*. He kept the scoreboard moving while wickets fell around him. 

Corbin Bosch’s attacking 25 also proved crucial. Despite Bavuma’s resistance, India bowled South Africa out for 153, setting themselves a target of 124 runs.

A dramatic collapse hands South Africa an emphatic win

Chasing 124 looked simple on paper, but South Africa’s bowlers produced a stunning performance. Marco Jansen dismissed both Jaiswal and Rahul early, leaving India at 1/2. 

Washington Sundar tried to anchor the innings with a fighting 31, but Simon Harmer changed the match again. He took four crucial wickets, Pant, Jurel, Jadeja, and Kuldeep, as India kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Axar Patel’s quick 26 gave India brief hope, but once he fell, the chase collapsed completely. Gill, ruled out of the game with a neck injury, didn’t walk out to bat, meaning India were one batter short.

India were eventually bowled out for 93 in 35 overs, falling 30 runs short as South Africa sealed an emphatic victory on Day 3 of the Kolkata Test.

With that, South Africa are leading 1-0 in the two-game Test series.