South Africa beat India By 30 runs in 1st Test at Eden Gardens

South Africa registered a historic victory over India by 30 runs in the first Test at Eden Gardens, marking their first Test win in India in more than 15 years. The Proteas successfully defended a modest target of 124 runs, with off-spinner Simon Harmer taking four wickets in both innings to earn the Player of the Match award.

India, chasing 124 in the second innings, were bowled out for 93 in 35 overs. Captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury on Day 2, did not bat in the innings. Key contributions for India came from Washington Sundar (31 off 92 balls) and Axar Patel (26), but it wasn’t enough to overcome the disciplined South African bowling attack led by Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, and Marco Jansen.

In the first innings, India had scored 189, with KL Rahul top-scoring at 39. South Africa replied with 155, led by Aiden Markram’s 31. In the second innings, Temba Bavuma anchored the chase with an unbeaten 55, supported by a crucial partnership with Corbin Bosch.

Speaking after the match, India head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the challenging Eden Gardens pitch. “It was not an unplayable wicket. This is exactly what we asked for, and this is what we got. The curator, Sujan Mukherjee, was very supportive. It’s a wicket that tests mental toughness - those who played with good defence were able to score runs,” Gambhir said.

He added, “Axar, Temba, Washington all made runs. If you say this is a turning wicket, the majority of wickets were actually taken by seamers. We ask for pitches like this so the toss doesn’t become crucial. Had we won, there wouldn’t be so much discussion about the pitch. We have the players to deliver in any condition.”

Gambhir also updated on Shubman Gill’s injury: “He’s still being assessed. The physio will take a call today.”

Brief Scores:

• South Africa 1st Innings: 155 all out (Aiden Markram 31; Jasprit Bumrah 5/28)

• India 1st Innings: 189 all out (KL Rahul 39)

• South Africa 2nd Innings: 153 all out (Temba Bavuma 55*; Ravindra Jadeja 4/50)

• India 2nd Innings: 93 all out (Washington Sundar 31; Simon Harmer 4/21)