In a stunning upset at Eden Gardens, South Africa clinched a 30‑run victory to end India’s 15‑year unbeaten home record in tests.
Chasing a modest 124, India collapsed to 93 all out, thanks to a masterful spin display led by Simon Harmer (4‑21, 8‑51) and a gritty half‑century from Temba Bavuma.
Bavuma’s unbeaten 55, built with four boundaries and unflinching resolve, set up a slender first‑innings lead of 105.
Harmer’s eight‑wicket haul was the best by a South African in India, while Marco Jansen (2‑15) and Keshav Maharaj (2‑37) sealed the win.
Early setbacks saw India lose Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and KL Rahul (1) before Washington Sundar (31) fell at a crucial moment.
A dramatic catch by Bavuma to dismiss Axar Patel (26 off 17) and Maharaj’s final wicket of Siraj confirmed the historic triumph.
The match began with Bavuma’s fighting 55 keeping South Africa in contention after a shaky 93‑7 overnight. However a 44‑run eighth‑wicket stand with Corbin Bosch (25 off 37) swelled the lead to 105.
India’s chase never gained momentum. Wickets fell in quick succession, leaving the tail to face a relentless Harmer. His spin lured Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav into mistakes, while Jansen’s early blows removed both openers.
With the crowd in disbelief, South Africa celebrated a victory that will echo in the annals of cricket history.
Pictured above: Proteas
Source: @proteasmencsa
