South Africa created history by winning their first Test match against India on Indian soil since 2010. With that victory over the home team in Kolkata, they won the nail biting match by 30 runs. The match, which concluded in just three days, showcased South Africa’s remarkable bowling performance and strategic batting under challenging conditions.
On the last day’s play, India required 124 runs to win the match. Their batting order collapsed, leading to a meager score of just 93 runs after 35 overs. Marco Jansen, left, was a key cog in South Africa’s bowling attack. He removed both Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, with brilliant catches behind the stumps. Simon Harmer was the standout player in the match. He dismissed four batsmen in each innings, ending with match figures of 8 for 51.
South Africa’s innings were characterized by resilience. They ‘only’ laid down 159 runs in their first innings and 153 runs in the second. Temba Bavuma was the star of the show for South Africa in the second innings. His scored an unbeaten 55 runs from 136 balls, providing needed stability to his side’s pursuit.
India faced greater difficulties than that during the match. Most alarmingly, opening batsman Shubman Gill sustained a neck injury and retired hurt on day two. Gill’s condition necessitated hospitalization for observation, further complicating India’s pursuit of victory.
This victory is even more historic for South Africa. It’s their first Test series victory on Indian soil since their last series victory away in Nagpur back in February 2010. This win goes well beyond the numbers. It restores South African cricket’s positive standing within the greater international competition space and positively affects the attitude of the team itself.
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