South Africa Achieves Historic Victory Over India at Eden Gardens

Post by : Mara Rahim

In a remarkable display of grit and determination, South Africa triumphed over India in Kolkata, marking their first Test win on Indian soil in 15 years. Facing a daunting challenge, the visitors, who began the day with a slim 63-run lead and three wickets remaining, managed to set India a target of 124 runs. The tricky pitch, characterized by unpredictable bounce and lateral movement, proved too formidable for the Indian batsmen who were all out for just 93 runs, shocking the crowd at Eden Gardens.

Temba Bavuma's performance was the standout, as he became the only player from either side to achieve a half-century, guiding South Africa to a 123-run advantage. His patient and strategic batting on the previous evening pressed the Indian bowlers into errors, ultimately turning the tide in South Africa’s favor. As the ball behaved awkwardly, Bavuma’s effort was crucial in establishing a challenging target for the hosts.

Although the chase of 124 appeared manageable, the pitch conditions rendered it extremely difficult. Simon Harmer, fresh from his previous tour struggles in India nearly a decade ago, bowled magnificently and outperformed the Indian spin attack. Marco Jansen added to the pressure with his unpredictable deliveries that troubled the Indian openers throughout.

India started the day with optimism, but their bowling choices raised eyebrows. The decision to have Axar Patel open the bowling backfired as South Africa capitalized with easy runs, leading to an early loss of control. Captain Rishabh Pant, who appeared composed the night before, erratically shuffled his bowling changes and even wasted a review that was clearly a lost cause. Ravindra Jadeja, who seemed dominant previously, struggled to find his rhythm and faced challenges when India needed him most, while Washington Sundar remained unused despite the conditions favoring spin.

Bavuma found a crucial ally in Corbin Bosch as they built a vital partnership of 44 runs for the eighth wicket, with Bosch aggressively contributing 25 runs. Jasprit Bumrah eventually managed to dismiss Bosch with a pinpoint delivery. Mohammed Siraj then capitalized on reverse swing to claim wickets quickly, momentarily giving India a glimmer of hope.

As India began their chase, they were immediately put under pressure by South Africa. Jansen dismissed both openers within his first two overs, swinging the momentum firmly in the visitors' direction.

Washington Sundar, batting at No. 3, aimed to stabilize the innings but was eventually let down by Dhruv Jurel’s misjudgment on a short ball. Harmer's consistent bowling displayed his growth since his last tour, expertly varying his pace and length to trouble Rishabh Pant, eventually dismissing him with a sharp return catch.

At 38 for 4, Washington and Jadeja managed to add some runs, but Jadeja's mistake led to his downfall as Harmer found him LBW, a disappointing end to a match where he achieved the unique feat of 300 wickets and 4000 Test runs.

Aiden Markram's successful delivery sent Washington back to the pavilion, and Harmer continued his dominance, leaving India at 77 for 7. Axar Patel attempted to create a resurgence with two sixes and a four, but when he mis-hit a shot, Bavuma made an exceptional catch, extinguishing India's last hopes.

Siraj's innings ended on the first ball he faced, sealing a famous victory for South Africa. Kagiso Rabada, who missed the match due to injury, celebrated fervently, reveling in a rare moment of success in a country where he had only previously encountered defeat.