Can India Chase Down 124 Runs to Win the First Test Against South Africa?
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Synopsis
As India prepares to chase down a target of 124 runs to clinch the first Test against South Africa, the spotlight is on Ravindra Jadeja's exceptional bowling performance. With the absence of skipper Shubman Gill, can India rise to the challenge and set a new record at Eden Gardens? Discover the unfolding drama of this gripping match.
Key Takeaways
- India set to chase 124 runs for victory.
- Ravindra Jadeja leads with outstanding bowling figures.
- Temba Bavuma scores a crucial unbeaten 55.
- Shubman Gill ruled out of the match due to injury.
- Potential record chase at Eden Gardens awaits.
Kolkata, Nov 16 (NationPress) India is tasked with chasing 124 runs to secure victory in the first Test at Eden Gardens, following their stellar bowling performance that dismissed South Africa for 153 runs in just 54 overs during the second innings on Day 3. The veteran left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja shone brightly with impressive figures of 4-50, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj contributed by taking the remaining three wickets to close the innings.
For South Africa, captain Temba Bavuma ended his innings unbeaten on 55, marking the first half-century of this match. He and Bosch played a crucial role in extending the visitors’ lead from 63 to 123 with a vital partnership of 44 runs on a challenging pitch.
India, however, faces a setback as skipper Shubman Gill has been ruled out for the rest of the match due to a neck injury. Successfully chasing this target without Gill would set a new record for the highest run chase at Eden Gardens.
Resuming play at 93/7, Bavuma and Bosch managed to accumulate valuable runs against Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja. Bosch executed a sweeping shot for four runs against Jadeja and took singles, while Bavuma provided the necessary stability, enabling the visitors to add 27 runs in the first 30 minutes.
Bavuma's confidence grew as he defended solidly with soft hands, while Bosch showcased aggressive strokes, sweeping and reverse-sweeping Kuldeep Yadav for boundaries, before being bowled by Bumrah’s delivery.
With a composed approach, Bavuma reached his first half-century of the Test with a streaky four, marking his seventh fifty-plus score in his last eleven Tests, earning him warm applause from the crowd.
Siraj then struck decisively, dismantling Simon Harmer’s off-stump with a length delivery and trapping Keshav Maharaj lbw with a yorker. Throughout these events, Bavuma remained unbeaten on 55, ensuring South Africa’s bowlers had a respectable total to defend in this low-scoring contest.
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) lead India 189 in 62.2 overs (KL Rahul 39; Simon Harmer 4-30) by 123 runs
Point of View
The current match showcases India's resilience in challenging conditions. While the absence of Shubman Gill poses a significant hurdle, the team's potential to set a record at Eden Gardens adds an exhilarating dimension to the contest. The cricketing landscape is ever-evolving, and this match will be pivotal for both sides.
NationPress
16/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was South Africa's total in their second innings?
South Africa was bowled out for 153 runs in their second innings.
Who was the standout bowler for India?
Ravindra Jadeja was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 50 runs.
What is the target set for India to win?
India needs to chase down 124 runs to win the match.
How did Temba Bavuma perform?
Temba Bavuma scored 55 not out, marking his first half-century of the match.
What is the significance of this match for India?
A successful chase without Shubman Gill could set a new record for the highest run chase at Eden Gardens.
