KOLKATA, Nov 16 (Sky Sports): South Africa claimed a historic win in Kolkata, beating India by 30 runs in the first Test. Off-spinner Simon Harmer produced a match-winning spell as India collapsed while chasing 124 on day three. India’s captain Shubman Gill missed the run chase after suffering neck spasms and could not bat.
Harmer and Maharaj Run Through India
Harmer took 4-21 in the second innings after grabbing 4-30 earlier. He removed key batters and broke India’s resistance. Keshav Maharaj supported him well and ended the match with two wickets in two balls.
Axar Patel tried to revive India with a quick 26 from 17 balls. He hit two sixes and a four in one over from Maharaj. However, he fell trying to clear the boundary again, with Temba Bavuma taking a sharp catch on the run. Maharaj then dismissed Mohammed Siraj next ball to seal victory.
Bavuma Leads From the Front
The Proteas had not won a Test in India since 2010. They had lost seven and drawn one since then.
In this Test, South Africa needed only nine wickets in India’s chase because Gill retired hurt on day two.
Earlier, Bavuma scored an unbeaten 55 in South Africa’s second innings. It was the only half-century of the match. He lifted his team from 91-7 to 153 with support from Corbin Bosch.
Bowlers Dominate on a Tricky Pitch
South Africa made 159 in their first innings. India replied with 189 but could not build on their lead.
Harmer, Maharaj and Marco Jansen dominated India with swing and spin. Jansen dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul early. India stumbled to 38-4.
Harmer then removed Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel. He trapped Ravindra Jadeja lbw after a short stand with Washington Sundar. He also caught Sundar in the slips and pinned Kuldeep Yadav lbw.
Series Shifts to Guwahati
Axar Patel added brief hope, but India fell short.
South Africa now hold a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. They are aiming for only their second Test series win in India and their first since 2000.
The final Test will be played in Guwahati from November 22 to 26. Three ODIs and five T20Is will follow.
This news was originally published by Sky Sports.