The first Test match between South Africa and India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, finished with a surprising result. South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in a low-scoring match where bowlers dominated throughout all three days. Both teams struggled to score, and spin bowling played a major role.
South Africa 1st Innings – 159 All Out
South Africa started with early trouble when Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Elgar in the first over. India kept pressure with fast and spin bowling.
- Top scorer: Bavuma – 34
- Best bowler (India): Jasprit Bumrah – 5 wickets
South Africa ended their first innings at 159 runs.
India 1st Innings – 189 All Out
India took a small lead of 30 runs, but the batting was not strong. Kohli, Jadeja and Axar added important runs, but most batters struggled.
The main trouble for India was South African spinner Simon Harmer, who took 6 wickets.
- India total: 189
- Lead: 30 runs
South Africa 2nd Innings – 153 All Out
South Africa again lost quick wickets, but captain Temba Bavuma played a solid and important innings. He stayed not out on 55* and helped his team set a competitive target.
- South Africa total: 153
- Best bowler (India): Kuldeep Yadav – 3 wickets
India needed 124 runs to win the match.
India 2nd Innings – 93 All Out
India collapsed completely under pressure.
- Jaiswal out for 0
- KL Rahul out at 1
- Middle order failed
- Harmer continued his excellent bowling
India were all out for 93, losing the match by 30 runs.
Final Result
- Winner: South Africa
- Margin: 30 runs
- Player of the Match: Simon Harmer (8 wickets in the match)
Match Highlights
- Very low-scoring Test with strong spin assistance
- Simon Harmer’s match-winning 8 wickets
- Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 55* in a tough situation
- India’s second-innings collapse changed the match completely