New Delhi, Nov 16 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer commended South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma for his remarkable poise and technique at Eden Gardens. While his teammates faltered on the challenging third morning of the Kolkata Test, Bavuma displayed resilience, crafting an innings of 55 not out, which was the first half-century of the match. This also marked his seventh fifty-plus score in his last eleven Tests.

The Proteas captain, along with Bosch, played a pivotal role in increasing their lead from 63 to 123 through a vital 44-run partnership on a tough pitch, with India chasing a target of 124 runs to clinch the first Test at Eden Gardens after bowling out South Africa for 153 in 54 overs during Day 3's first session.

"On a pitch where no other batter reached 40 in three innings, this man has given his team a fighting chance with 55*. It’s not the size of man in the fight, but the size of fight in the man. Well played," Jaffer remarked on X.

Starting from 93/7, Bavuma and Bosch managed to accumulate crucial runs against Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja. Bosch swept Jadeja for a boundary and rotated the strike, while Bavuma anchored the innings, as the visitors added 27 runs in the first half-hour.

Bavuma grew more confident, defending effectively with soft hands, even as Bosch executed sweeps and reverse-sweeps against Kuldeep Yadav for four and six, respectively, before his off-stump was disturbed by Bumrah’s nip-backer.

With a composed approach and prudent batting, Bavuma notched his first half-century of the Test with a fortunate four to fine leg. His innings was warmly received by the crowd, showcasing his seventh fifty-plus score in his last eleven Tests.

Siraj then delivered a decisive over, dislodging Simon Harmer’s off-stump with a length delivery before trapping Keshav Maharaj lbw with a yorker. Throughout these events, Bavuma remained unbeaten on 55, ensuring South Africa's bowlers had a competitive total to defend in this low-scoring encounter.