Can Harmer's Four Wickets Propel India to Victory?
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Synopsis
On day two of the first Test at Eden Gardens, Simon Harmer's stunning bowling performance led to India's dismissal for 189 runs, granting them a slender 30-run lead over South Africa. With the match finely balanced, can India capitalize on this advantage despite losing key players?
Key Takeaways
- Simon Harmer shines with 4 wickets.
- India's innings ends at 189 runs.
- KL Rahul is the top scorer with 39 runs.
- South Africa trails by 30 runs.
- Match remains balanced with key players missing.
Kolkata, Nov 15 (NationPress) Off-spinner Simon Harmer claimed four crucial wickets, leading to India's dismissal for 189 runs in 62.2 overs, giving them a slender 30-run lead over South Africa on day two of the first Test at Eden Gardens this Saturday.
Similar to South Africa’s first innings, India’s batting was characterized by modest contributions and a lack of significant partnerships, with the highest stand being a mere 57 runs between KL Rahul and Washington Sundar.
Rahul managed to be the only Indian batter to surpass the 30-run threshold, as the hosts’ innings crumbled rapidly – after reaching 153/4, India lost their final five wickets for just 36 runs.
With the match tightly contested, India retains a slight edge, although they are missing Shubman Gill, who retired hurt on four due to neck spasms. Harmer effectively utilized the pitch’s uneven bounce and varied his pace superbly, finishing with figures of 4-30, while Marco Jansen took 3-35.
The second session commenced with Dhruv Jurel showcasing precise timing to cut and drive off Corbin Bosch for boundaries, while Ravindra Jadeja executed a stunning drive past cover for another four.
However, Harmer struck again with a well-tossed delivery, leading to Jurel’s leading edge being caught by the off-spinner himself.
After India established their lead, Harmer returned to trap Jadeja lbw with a skiddy delivery, costing the all-rounder a review. South Africa capitalized as Kuldeep Yadav edged a delivery down leg to keeper Kyle Verreynne off Jansen, who later uprooted Mohammed Siraj’s off-stump.
Harmer finished his impressive spell by catching Axar Patel at backward point, and with Gill still absent, India’s innings concluded just one run short of 190. The match remains delicately poised for an exhilarating finish.
Brief Scores: South Africa 159 in 55 overs (Aiden Markram 31; Jasprit Bumrah 5-27) trails India 189 in 62.2 overs (KL Rahul 39, Washington Sundar 29; Simon Harmer 4-30, Marco Jansen 3-35) by 30 runs.
Point of View
I believe that the current cricket match between India and South Africa showcases the unpredictable nature of Test cricket. With both teams demonstrating resilience and skill, it's a reminder of the sport's thrilling unpredictability. Our coverage will continue to highlight the developing story as it unfolds.
NationPress
15/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of India's innings?
India was bowled out for 189 runs.
How many wickets did Simon Harmer take?
Simon Harmer took 4 wickets for 30 runs.
What is India's lead over South Africa?
India has a lead of 30 runs over South Africa.
What was the highest partnership in India's innings?
The highest partnership was 57 runs between KL Rahul and Washington Sundar.
How many wickets did Marco Jansen take?
Marco Jansen took 3 wickets for 35 runs.
