South Africa pulled off a dramatic 30‑run win over India in their first Test at Eden Gardens, moving into second place in the ICC World Test Championship for the 2025‑27 cycle. It was the Springboks’ first Test victory in India since 2010, and it gave the reigning world champions a 1‑0 edge in the two‑match series.
Captain Temba Bavuma stayed unbeaten on 55 as the pitch turned, while fast bowler Simon Harmer stole the headlines with a match‑defining eight‑wicket haul. Harmer’s figures were 4‑30 and 4‑21, while South Africa’s left‑hander Keshav Maharaj also contributed a double‑strike, and right‑handed banker Marco Jansen removed both of India’s opening batsmen.
India, without skipper Shubman Gill who was nursing a neck injury, could not chase the modest target of 124. They were bowled out for just 93. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel offered some resistance, but Sundar fell for 31 to Aiden Markram’s off‑spin, and Patel’s 26 was sealed by Maharaj early in the innings.
South Africa now have 24 points with a 66.67% success rate, pushing them from fourth to second behind Australia. Sri Lanka slipped to third, and India dropped to fourth with a 54.17% success rate.
The win lit up the South African camp, with fans celebrating a rare Test victory abroad. After a 1‑1 draw with Pakistan earlier this year and a WTC final win over Australia at Lord’s, the Springboks now carry 12 points from away games. The second Test will start at ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.
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