Kolkata, November 16,2025: South Africa clinched a historic Test victory on Sunday, defeating India by 30 runs in a low-scoring contest that ended inside three days at Eden Gardens — their first Test win in India in 14 years.
The Proteas, who entered the series as reigning World Test Champions, overturned a 30-run first-innings deficit before bowling India out for just 93 while defending a modest target of 124.
Veteran off-spinner Simon Harmer, 36, was the standout performer, taking 4 wickets in each innings to finish with exceptional match figures of 8-51.
India’s chase was hampered by the absence of captain Shubman Gill, who sustained a neck injury on day two and was ruled out of the remainder of the match. He remained under hospital observation as the hosts resumed play on Sunday.
South Africa resumed their second innings at 93-7, leading by just 63. But skipper Temba Bavuma produced a gritty, match-defining knock — an unbeaten 55 off 136 balls — the only score above 40 by any batter in the game.
Supported by lower-order hitting from Corbin Bosch (25), Bavuma managed to stretch the total to 153, giving his bowlers something to defend.
India’s chase began disastrously. Left-arm quick Marco Jansen removed Yashasvi Jaiswal and K.L. Rahul — both caught behind — to reduce the hosts to 1-2.
While Washington Sundar offered resistance with a patient 31 off 92 balls, he eventually fell to part-time spinner Aiden Markram. From there, Harmer and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (2-37) triggered a dramatic collapse, with India losing their final five wickets in just eight overs. India were all out for 93, handing South Africa a famous victory.
The two-match series now heads to Guwahati, where the second and final Test begins on Saturday, 22 November.
