Fall into own trap: Spin demons sink India as South Africa seize series lead

Hosts India succumbed to a crushing defeat on a treacherous Eden Gardens pitch, losing the first Test to South Africa after collapsing while chasing a modest target of 124. What looked like a routine run-chase quickly spiralled into a crisis as Simon Harmer led a relentless South African attack that exposed India’s brittle batting, further weakened by the absence of injured skipper Shubman Gill.

In less than three days, just over 400 runs were scored and all 40 wickets fell—a reflection of a surface bordering on unplayable and a visiting side that adapted far better. Temba Bavuma’s gritty half-century, Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery five-for, Harmer’s match-defining spell, and Washington Sundar’s defiance stood out in a Test that will be remembered for its raw intensity and the debate over the pitch.

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The tone was set on Day 1. After choosing to bat, South Africa were skittled for 159, with Bumrah once again showcasing his mastery in home conditions. His 5/27 tore through the core of the innings, while Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up the rest.

India’s response offered little comfort. Their 189-run total was propped up by KL Rahul’s 39, Sundar’s composed 29 at No. 3, and small but useful contributions from Rishabh Pant and Jadeja. Harmer was consistently probing, picking up three crucial wickets as Bosch and Marco Jansen ensured India never built a substantial lead.

The match swung on Bavuma’s second-innings fightback. Resuming Day 3 at 93/7, leading by just 63 and staring at defeat, the captain crafted a gritty 55 off 136—the only fifty of the match. He managed the strike brilliantly, guided the tail, and pushed South Africa to 153, stretching the lead to 123 and altering the game’s momentum.

India’s chase began disastrously. Jansen, riding on confidence from his first-innings burst, removed both openers—Yashasvi Jaiswal for 0 and KL Rahul for 1—leaving India 10/2 at lunch.

With Gill sidelined by a neck spasm, Sundar took on a crucial role. His fighting 31 off 92 balls held the innings together during a slide. Partnerships with Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel briefly steadied the innings, but once Jadeja departed, Harmer tightened the squeeze and India crumbled under pressure.

A late surge from Axar Patel, who attacked Keshav Maharaj with two sixes and a four, gave India a flicker of hope. But Maharaj struck back immediately, removing Axar and effectively ending India’s chances. Mohammed Siraj lasted just one ball, sealing South Africa’s 30-run victory.

The win marks South Africa’s first Test triumph on Indian soil in 15 years. The second Test in Guwahati now becomes a must-win for India—not only to draw the series but to safeguard their World Test Championship campaign.