South Africa's Proteas achieved a landmark 30-run victory against India in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, marking their first win on Indian soil in 15 years. The low-scoring thriller saw both teams struggle on a bowler-friendly pitch, with Simon Harmer earning player of the match honors for his eight-wicket haul. Captain Temba Bavuma's unbeaten half-century proved pivotal in setting a defendable target.
The Proteas recorded their historic triumph on day three of the two-match series, defeating India by 30 runs. South Africa scored 159 in their first innings and 153 in the second, setting India a target of 124. India managed only 93 in their second innings, falling short despite contributions from Washington Sundar (31) and Axar Patel (26).
The match unfolded on a challenging pitch at Eden Gardens that favored bowlers of all types, offering prodigious turn for spinners and seam movement with variable bounce for pacers. No team exceeded 200 runs, with India's first-innings 189 the highest total. South Africa were in trouble at 93 for seven at stumps on day two, but captain Temba Bavuma (55 not out off 136 balls, including four fours) and Corbin Bosch (25) added 44 crucial runs in the morning session, the highest partnership of the match for the Proteas.
India's stand-in captain Rishabh Pant credited this stand as the key difference. Bavuma's knock was the match's top score and his 26th Test half-century. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad praised his leader: “I said it two days before the Test match, having our best player back is very reassuring for us, it brings calmness... That was the difference between the two sides: Temba’s innings, his partnership with Boschie this morning. I thought that was immense and that gave us something we felt we could defend.”
Simon Harmer dominated with 4-21 in the second innings and 8-51 overall, dismantling India's left-handed heavy lineup with slower turners and quicker variations. Marco Jansen took 2-15 and Keshav Maharaj 2-37. For India, Ravindra Jadeja claimed 4-50 and Mohammed Siraj 2-2.
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the pitch: “This is exactly the pitch we were looking for... If you don’t play well, this is what happens.” Drama included Shubman Gill retiring hurt after three balls in the first innings due to a neck spasm, and South Africa losing all DRS reviews, leading to Keshav Maharaj's unlucky dismissal. The win came without Kagiso Rabada, enhancing its significance as South Africa's first series victory prospect in India since 2000.