Kolkata, November 16, 2025 – In a stunning turn of events at Eden Gardens, South Africa pulled off a remarkable victory against India in the first Test, securing their first win on Indian soil in 15 years. The Proteas defended a meager target of 124, bowling out the hosts for a paltry 93.
The day began with South Africa at 93/7 in their second innings, holding a slender lead. The visitors managed to add 60 crucial runs, extending their lead to 123, before being bowled out for 153. Temba Bavuma top-scored with a resilient 55, his third half-century in India. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj eventually cleaned up the tail.
Chasing 124 for victory, India's batting lineup crumbled under pressure. The hosts were undone by a combination of disciplined bowling and a deteriorating pitch that favored the spinners. The absence of captain Shubman Gill, who was ruled out of the match due to a neck injury sustained earlier, further weakened the Indian batting.
The collapse began early, with Marco Jansen removing Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul cheaply to leave India reeling at 1/2. Rishabh Pant's attempt to counter-attack was short-lived as he fell to Simon Harmer for 9. Harmer continued to torment the Indian batsmen, also dismissing Ravindra Jadeja.
Washington Sundar offered some resistance with apatient 31, but his dismissal to Aiden Markram effectively sealed India's fate. The remaining batsmen fell quickly, with Keshav Maharaj taking the final two wickets to wrap up the innings. Simon Harmer was named "Player of the Match" for his outstanding performance, claiming a total of eight wickets in the match.
The South African bowling attack was spearheaded by Simon Harmer, who took 4/21, and Marco Jansen, who finished with 2/15. Their combined efforts ensured that India fell short of the target by 30 runs.
This victory marks South Africa's first Test win in India since 2010 and their first ever at Eden Gardens. It also represents India's first loss in Kolkata since 2012. The result gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with the second Test scheduled to begin on November 22 in Guwahati.
The turning point of the match was Gill's injury which forced him to leave the match, but the Indian batsmen were undone by spin once again. The pitch at Eden Gardens, which was expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball, ultimately proved to be more challenging for the batsmen, especially in the second innings.
