Kolkata, Nov 16 (NationPress) Although South Africa was dismissed for 159 on the opening day after opting to bat first, the World Test Championship champions made a stunning recovery to overcome India by 30 runs in the first Test at Eden Gardens on Sunday. While chasing a target of only 124, India was bowled out for a mere 93 in just 35 overs on Day 3.

This 30-run victory also marked South Africa’s first Test success in India in 15 years, putting the visitors ahead in the two-match series with a score of 1-0. Off-spinner Simon Harmer was outstanding with bowling figures of 4-21, while the rest of the bowling unit collaborated effectively to dismantle India's batting order on a challenging pitch, where chasing more than 100 runs was always a formidable task.

In their pursuit of 124, India sorely missed Shubman Gill, who was sidelined due to neck surgery and subsequently hospitalized. Following captain Temba Bavuma’s resilient 55 not out, and a crucial 44-runCorbin Bosch, South Africa extended their lead to 123. Harmer’s exceptional bowling, along with vital wickets from Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, and Keshav Maharaj, helped the Proteas stun India and leave the crowd in disbelief.

The post-lunch session started with a series of smooth flicks from Jurel and patient play from Sundar, helping India reduce their target to under 100 runs. South Africa momentarily lost Marco Jansen after lunch, but he returned quickly to the field.

There was a tense moment when Corbin Bosch believed he had Jurel caught behind, but the review indicated the ball had missed the bat. Just when India seemed stable, Harmer struck with a simple short ball, which Jurel attempted to pull but misfired into the hands of deep midwicket.

His dismissal came as a result of South Africa’s relentless pressure, conceding only one run in 20 deliveries. The crowd's disappointment grew when South Africa believed they had Rishabh Pant caught at backward short leg off Keshav Maharaj. However, cheers erupted when the large screen confirmed the decision was not out, as replays showed the ball had hit the fielder’s forearm.

Yet, Harmer struck again with another innocuous delivery, when Pant hit a firm straight shot that was caught by the off-spinner, dismissing the stand-in India captain for just two runs. While Sundar displayed patience in his defensive batting, Ravindra Jadeja took the initiative by scoring boundaries off both Jansen and Harmer.

A hush fell over Eden Gardens as Harmer delivered a fuller ball that struck Jadeja on the boot, trapping him lbw and costing India a review. Aiden Markram’s handy off-spin provided South Africa with another critical breakthrough, finding Sundar’s outside edge and having him caught at first slip; his resistance ended at 31 off 92 balls.

Harmer claimed his fourth wicket when his off-break spun past Kuldeep Yadav’s defensive shot, trapping him lbw. Kuldeep reviewed, but the decision stood as Harmer celebrated his fourth wicket. Axar Patel had the crowd on their feet by slog-sweeping Maharaj for a four, followed by two sixes.

Maharaj had the last laugh when Axar attempted a slog-sweep on his slower delivery, but the bat turned at impact, and the top-edge was caught by Bavuma running back from mid-wicket. On the very next ball, Maharaj had Mohammed Siraj edging to first slip, igniting jubilant scenes in the Proteas camp.

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) beat India 189 and 93 in 35 overs (Washington Sundar 31, Axar Patel 26; Simon Harmer 4-21, Marco Jansen 2-15) by 30 runs.