Kolkata, India – In a stunning turn of events, South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in a low-scoring thriller at Eden Gardens on November 16, 2025, securing their first Test win in India in 15 years. Defending a modest target of 124, the Proteas bowled India out for 93 on a turning pitch that offered sharp turn and uneven bounce.
The dramatic collapse handed India their first defeat at Eden Gardens in 13 years. India, who started the third morning as favorites after a dramatic 15-wicket second day, crumbled to 93 all out in their second innings. The defeat also marked India's first loss in Kolkata since 2012 and the second-smallest target they have failed to chase in Test cricket.
The turning point of the match was arguably the vital partnership between South Africa captain Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch on the third morning. Their 44-run stand ensured that India had to chase a three-figure score, leaving enough for the Proteas to make a match of it in the final innings. Bavuma's fighting half-century, the only fifty of the match, also proved decisive. He remained unbeaten on 55* in the second innings.
Chasing 124, India endured the worst possible start. With skipper Shubman Gill ruled out of the match after sustaining a neck injury on Day 2, India were effectively a batter short. Marco Jansen struck twice in his opening spell, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal for nought and KL Rahul for one to leave India reeling at 10 for 2 at lunch.
After lunch, Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar attempted to steady the innings, but Jurel fell to Simon Harmer for 13. Rishabh Pant, who replaced Jurel, looked uncomfortable and was soon dismissed by Harmer for two. Ravindra Jadeja attempted to build a partnership with Sundar, but he also fell to Harmer for 18.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer led the South African attack brilliantly with figures of 4-21. Marco Jansen contributed with 2-15, and Keshav Maharaj took 2-37 as the match ended inside three days. Maharaj removed Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj to wrap up the proceedings.
India's batting deficiencies were exposed as they slid to defeat in a match that finished inside eight sessions. The Eden Gardens pitch proved to be a challenge for the batters, offering uneven bounce for pacers and plenty of turn and bounce for spinners.
This victory marks South Africa's first Test win in India in 15 years and gives them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second Test starts in Guwahati on Saturday.
