Proteas Shock India, Bavuma and Harmer Orchestrate Dramatic Win: 1st Test, Day 3 (Kolkata)

Skipper Temba Bavuma led from the front as the first India–South Africa Test at Eden Gardens produced a dramatic finish as South Africa claimed a 30-run victory in a tense, low-scoring contest.

Resuming on 93/7, the Proteas were steadied by a gritty 55 from Bavuma, who extended their second-innings total to 153, with help from Corbin Bosch’s 25.

This set India a seemingly modest target of 124, but the chase unraveled quickly. Marco Jansen removed both Indian openers early, and the middle order was dismantled by Simon Harmer’s superb 4/21, leaving India bowled out for 93.

The loss sparked immediate discussion over the pitch, with former captain Sourav Ganguly suggesting the surface may have worked against India’s own strategy.

South Africa 159 and 153 (Bavuma 55*, Bosch 25, Jadeja 4-50, Siraj 2-2, Kuldeep 2-30) beat India 189 and 93 (Washington 31, Axar 26, Harmer 4-21, Jansen 2-15, Maharaj 2-37) by 30 runs.

Nov 2025.