The South Africa vs India Test produced one of the most dramatic finishes in recent years, as South Africa sealed a historic 30-run win on a treacherous Eden Gardens surface. A target of 124 appeared modest, yet India folded for just 93 with captain Shubman Gill missing the chase due to a neck injury. The victory marked South Africa’s first Test win in India in 15 years and the second-smallest successful defence in Asia.
Bavuma Rescues South Africa in Crucial Partnership
The turning point of the South Africa vs India Test came through Temba Bavuma’s fighting half-century. He walked out with his team only 63 ahead and three wickets remaining. Although the pitch behaved unpredictably, Bavuma remained composed, defended with precision and absorbed constant pressure. Moreover, he trusted Corbin Bosch, whose clean striking added valuable runs. Their 44-run stand lifted the visitors to a competitive lead of 123.
South Africa win the 1st Test vs India by 30 runs! 🇿🇦🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) November 16, 2025
A hard-fought battle at Eden Gardens!
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Harmer and Jansen Break India Early
A tense chase in the South Africa vs India Test began disastrously for India. Marco Jansen’s steep bounce removed both openers inside two overs, creating immediate shockwaves in the stadium. Simon Harmer then produced one of his finest spells on Indian soil. His variation in pace and subtle alterations in trajectory repeatedly unsettled India’s middle order.
Despite Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja adding brief stability, Harmer’s clever drift and turn removed Jadeja lbw again, mirroring the first innings. Harmer later trapped Pant with dip and forced Kuldeep’s edge with a slower delivery. His outstanding 4 for 21 ultimately broke India’s resistance.
Simon Harmer bags 4 wickets vs India — a true match-winner for South Africa! 🔥🎯
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) November 16, 2025
Spin that turned the tide!
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India Collapse Under Pressure
The decisive collapse in the South Africa vs India Test began when Dhruv Jurel miscued a long hop after the ball held up off the surface. Washington’s gritty 31 delayed the inevitable, yet Markram dismissed him with sharp turn to deepen India’s troubles. Axar Patel briefly ignited hope with clean sixes, although Bavuma extinguished that spark by sprinting backward to complete a superb over-the-shoulder catch.
When Siraj fell next ball, South Africa erupted. Kagiso Rabada celebrated the loudest, watching his team achieve what he had missed out on due to injury.
