The thrilling and low-scoring opener of South Africa’s tour of India concluded dramatically on November 16, 2025, with the visitors securing a historic 30-run win—their first Test victory on Indian soil in 15 years. Simon Harmer’s masterful spin bowling (4/30 in the first innings and 4/21 in the second) and Temba Bavuma’s resolute unbeaten 55 in the second dig propelled South Africa to defend a modest target of 124 on a treacherous Eden Gardens pitch that offered vicious turn and variable bounce from Day 2 onward. This result gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and boosts them to second in the World Test Championship standings, while India slip to fourth.
Your summary perfectly captures the tension of Day 2, where South Africa wrestled back control after India’s slender 30-run lead. Here’s a quick recap of that day’s key moments, followed by how the match unfolded to its stunning conclusion on Day 3.
Day 2 Highlights: South Africa’s Fightback and Gill’s Injury Scare
- India’s First Innings (189 all out in 62.2 overs): Resuming at 37/1, KL Rahul (39) and Washington Sundar (29) ground out a 57-run stand in a gritty first hour. Rishabh Pant injected momentum with a quick 27 off 24 balls, but the pitch’s inconsistent bounce claimed him. Sundar fell caught behind off Harmer, bringing in skipper Shubman Gill to a roaring crowd. Tragically, after sweeping for 4 off just three balls, Gill suffered a severe neck spasm, retired hurt for 4, and did not return—leaving India effectively 10-handed. Rahul anchored until nicking Keshav Maharaj, triggering a collapse. Ravindra Jadeja (27) edged India ahead with a boundary but fell lbw to Harmer. Harmer’s 4/30 dismantled the lower order, with Marco Jansen (3/45) snaring Kuldeep Yadav (1) caught behind and Axar Patel (16) lbw.
- South Africa’s Second Innings (18/1 at stumps): Aiden Markram (3*) and Ryan Rickelton (11) faced a probing Indian attack before Rickelton was lbw to Kuldeep Yadav just before tea. The hosts, led by stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, couldn’t capitalize on the conditions.
India’s bowlers, including Jadeja (2/28) and Siraj (2/22), kept things tight, but the damage from Harmer and Jansen in India’s innings proved decisive.
Day 3 Drama: South Africa Claw to Safety, Then Dismantle India
South Africa resumed at 18/1, staring down the barrel with a lead of just 48. What followed was a masterclass in resilience on a pitch that had begun crumbling by mid-morning, drawing criticism for its uneven behavior. Bavuma (55* off 112 balls) dropped anchor, surviving two DRS reviews and ordinary Indian spin to forge key stands. Corbin Bosch (25) added vital runs, but India struck back with Jadeja (4/50) and Kuldeep (2/30) to bundle South Africa for 153—setting India 124 to win.
In pursuit, India crumbled spectacularly to 93 all out in 35 overs, their lowest fourth-innings total at home and first sub-100 score in a home chase. Harmer (4/21) outfoxed the batters with sharp turn, while Jansen (2/15) and Maharaj (2/37) mopped up. Stand-in skipper Pant (18) and Washington Sundar (31) offered resistance, but Gill’s absence (he remained hospitalized under observation for his neck injury) left a gaping hole. Axar Patel top-scored with 26, but regular strikes— including openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and Rahul (2) falling early to Jansen—sealed India’s fate.
Full Match Scorecard
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 159 all out (55 overs) | 153 all out (58.4 overs) | Won by 30 runs |
| India | 189 all out (62.2 overs) | 93 all out (35 overs) | – |
Key Performers:
- Batting: Temba Bavuma (SA) 55* (only fifty of the match); KL Rahul (IND) 39.
- Bowling: Simon Harmer (SA) 8/51 overall (Player of the Match); Marco Jansen (SA) 5/60; Ravindra Jadeja (IND) 6/78.
Post-Match Buzz
- Pitch Controversy: India coach Gautam Gambhir defended the Eden Gardens surface, calling it “exactly the pitch we wanted—if you don’t play well, this is what happens.” Critics, however, pointed to its rapid deterioration, with the top layer peeling by Day 2.
- Gill Update: The captain was stretchered off for scans and ruled out of the match; he’s under BCCI medical observation, with no timeline for the second Test in Guwahati (November 21-25).
- Reactions on X: Fans and pundits hailed Harmer’s redemption (after a poor 2015-16 India tour) and mourned Dhruv Jurel’s perfect 7-0 Test win streak ending. Kolkata Police even arrested three for match betting during Day 3.
