Kolkata, Nov 16 (NationPress) In a stunning turn of events, South Africa rallied back after being bowled out for just 159 on the opening day, ultimately defeating India by 30 runs in the first Test at Eden Gardens on Sunday. Despite a chase of a seemingly achievable target of 124, India crumbled to 93 all out in just 35 overs on Day 3.

This win marks South Africa’s first Test victory on Indian soil in 15 years, giving them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The standout performance came from off-spinner Simon Harmer, who claimed impressive figures of 4-21, effectively dismantling India's batting lineup on a pitch that made scoring above 100 a daunting task.

India’s pursuit of 124 was significantly hindered by the absence of Shubman Gill, who was sidelined due to neck surgery. After a gritty unbeaten 55 from captain Temba Bavuma and a valuable partnership of 44 runs with Corbin Bosch, South Africa established a lead of 123 runs. The combined efforts of Harmer, along with crucial wickets taken by Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, and Keshav Maharaj, left the Indian crowd in stunned silence.

Beginning Day 3 at 93/7, India initially seemed poised to regain control. However, South Africa’s batting resilience, highlighted by Bavuma’s 55 not out, pushed their total to 153 in their second innings. Bosch was instrumental in this effort, scoring quick runs to capitalize on the bowling.

Bavuma, exhibiting great poise, reached his half-century with a streaky boundary, marking his seventh fifty-plus score in his last 11 Tests, earning him applause from the audience. The innings came to an end when Mohammed Siraj took two quick wickets, dismantling South Africa's batting.

India’s chase began poorly, as Jansen's disciplined bowling led to the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. After a brief recovery, the Indian batting line-up faltered under pressure from Harmer’s effective bowling, which resulted in key wickets falling.

Despite some resistance from Washington Sundar and Axar Patel, Harmer’s relentless pressure continued to dismantle the Indian batting order, leading to a dramatic conclusion as South Africa celebrated their remarkable victory.

Brief Scores: South Africa 159 and 153 in 54 overs (Temba Bavuma 55 not out, Corbin Bosch 25; Ravindra Jadeja 4-50, Mohammed Siraj 2-2) defeated India 189 and 93 in 35 overs (Washington Sundar 31, Axar Patel 26; Simon Harmer 4-21, Marco Jansen 2-15) by 30 runs.