Post by : Maya Rahman

In a remarkable feat, South Africa clinched a historic Test win against India in Kolkata, marking their first victory in India in 15 years. Starting the day with a slender lead of just 63 runs and only three wickets in hand, the South African team displayed tremendous grit and strategy to set India a target of 124 runs, which turned out to be an uphill task on a pitch characterized by unpredictable bounce and movement. The South African players celebrated as they bowled India out for a mere 93 runs, shocking the crowd at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Temba Bavuma’s innings proved crucial, as he became the sole player from either team to score a half-century, steering South Africa to a 123-run lead. His composed batting pressured the Indian bowlers into making mistakes, despite a few loose deliveries from India’s spinners. Bavuma's performance was pivotal, especially considering the difficult conditions.

The target of 124 appeared manageable on paper, but the pitch proved to be a significant challenge. Simon Harmer, who had previously struggled in India nearly a decade ago, delivered an exceptional performance, outshining Indian spinners on their home turf. Marco Jansen also posed a significant threat, with deliveries that bounced sharply, placing South Africa in a favorable position.

India began with optimism, but their game plan raised eyebrows. In an unexpected move, Axar Patel opened the bowling, and as South Africa collected easy singles, India began to lose grip. Captain Rishabh Pant, who had made prudent decisions previously, opted for frequent bowling changes and even made a questionable review that was clearly ruled out. As frustration mounted, Ravindra Jadeja struggled to maintain his earlier composure, losing effectiveness when it mattered most. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar remained unused despite the pitch conditions favorable for spin bowlers.

Bavuma found a reliable ally in Corbin Bosch, as they built a crucial partnership of 44 runs for the eighth wicket. Bosch's aggressive 25 contributed significantly before being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah, who capitalized on reverse swing to remove Harmer and Keshav Maharaj shortly after, providing India a glimmer of hope.

As India embarked on their chase, South Africa struck early. Jansen took out both Indian openers in quick succession, putting them under immediate pressure.

Washington Sundar, stepping in at No. 3, attempted to stabilize the innings, yet Dhruv Jurel misplayed a pull shot straight into the hands of a fielder. Harmer displayed exceptional skill and improvement from his last tour, varying his pace and length effectively, eventually taking down Rishabh Pant with a sharp catch following a dipping delivery.

At 38 for 4, Washington and Jadeja fought back, but Jadeja’s unfortunate dismissal once again led to his lbw trap by Harmer. This match also marked a significant milestone for Jadeja, achieving the double of 300 wickets and 4000 Test runs.

Aiden Markram joined the fray and dismissed Washington with a skillful delivery. Harmer’s slower ball managed to outsmart Kuldeep Yadav, leaving India at 77 for 7, desperately in need of a miracle. Axar Patel attempted to instigate with two sixes and a four, but Bavuma's spectacular over-the-shoulder catch extinguished India’s final hopes.

Siraj faced just one ball, sealing a historic win for South Africa. Kagiso Rabada, absent from the match due to injury, rejoiced the loudest, relishing this rare triumph in a country that had long been a fortress for India.

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