Kolkata, Nov 16 (NationPress) South Africa's off-spinner Simon Harmer achieved remarkable success by securing four-wicket hauls in both innings, leading his team to a 30-run victory against India in the opening Test at Eden Gardens. Harmer emphasized that he prioritizes team victories over individual achievements.

This significant win, which was accomplished within three days, marked South Africa's first Test victory on Indian soil in 15 years, giving them a 1-0 series lead in the two-match contest. Harmer's outstanding performance included figures of 4-30 in the first innings, followed by 4-21 in the second, playing a crucial role in dismissing the Indian team for just 93 runs.

“I found the conditions a bit flatter as the ball aged and it wasn't turning as much. I challenged myself and was glad to contribute. Having been in challenging situations before, it's rewarding to fight back like we did, showcasing our belief,” Harmer stated.

“I am not focused on statistics; my priority is securing wins. I'm thrilled with this victory. There’s still one match left in the series, so we’ll savor this moment. I knew I needed to deliver well, and we were aware that one strong partnership could turn the game in our favor. My goal was to consistently land the ball in the right areas,” Harmer expressed, who received the Player of the Match accolade.

He acknowledged that luck played a role in his success, despite not executing his lengths perfectly. “I was fortunate with Jurel's wicket. I’m just glad to be in this position with a win. I was uncertain at the end if my four-wicket haul was complete, but personal honors take a backseat to winning. I'm satisfied with both the four-wicket haul and the victory,” he added.

Teammate Keshav Maharaj, who shared spinning duties with Harmer, admitted to feeling nervous after Axar Patel hit him for 16 runs but praised Harmer’s exceptional performance.

“I felt a bit anxious. It was challenging to maintain composure with the sun setting, but I stayed focused on my plans. Thankfully, I got a wicket, aided by a brilliant catch from Temba. Harmer displayed phenomenal skills, proving why he has over 1000 first-class wickets. It’s an honor to bowl alongside him,” Maharaj remarked.

Reflecting on the accomplishment of defeating India, Maharaj noted, “It’s an incredible feeling. There was a genuine determination to secure this victory. We draw a lot of confidence from our win in Pakistan, but we recognize the challenges we face here in India.”

“Playing in India presents unique challenges. The players here are highly skilled, and the conditions differ significantly. For our team to overcome this hurdle and achieve our first Test victory here is a remarkable achievement,” Maharaj added.

He underscored the importance of consistency on pitches favorable to spinners. “We understand that any delivery can lead to a wicket, so maintaining consistency is essential, and Simon excelled in that during this Test.”

“Moreover, Temba’s guidance in setting fields allowed us to bowl effectively, and he deserves credit for that. Achieving a Test victory in India was a challenge we hadn't met before, but today marks a significant milestone that we can all be proud of,” Maharaj concluded.