IND vs SA 2025: India vs South Africa Highlights & Result – 1st Test

Published - 16 Nov 2025, 14:12 IST | Updated - 16 Nov 2025, 14:49 IST

South Africa surprised India by 30 runs in a thrilling low-scoring contest at Eden Gardens to take a 0-1 lead in the two-Test series. Defending just 124, the reigning WTC champions produced a remarkable team effort, with their spinners stepping up on a wearing surface that kept both teams under constant pressure. India, chasing a decent target, folded for 93, their lowest Test total at home in seven years, and were left devastated by the missed opportunities and the absence of injured captain Shubman Gill in the fourth innings.

The turning point arrived early in India’s chase when Marco Jansen’s double strike removed both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, inside the first two overs. From there, India never got back in the game. Simon Harmer ran through the middle order, triggering a collapse from both ends.

Meanwhile, Temba Bavuma backed part-time off-spinner Aiden Markram to bowl at Washington Sundar. Markram struck immediately, breaking India’s only stabilising partnership. Later, with India 49 runs away, Bavuma brilliantly caught Axar Patel running backwards, a moment that sealed India’s fate and registered their first win in India in 15 years.

In a match where scoring runs was tough, South African skipper Temba Bavuma’s 55 in the second innings became the difference maker. Batting on a surface having sharp turn and inconsistent bounce, Bavuma played the defining knock of the Test. He stitched crucial partnerships with Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen, and ensured South Africa had something competitive to bowl at. In a game where no other batter crossed even 40, Bavuma’s contribution effectively became the difference.

A significant half-century! 💪Temba Bavuma leads from the front with a valuable captain's knock, displaying composure, grit, and brilliant skill to bring up the first fifty of the Test match. 🇿🇦🔥

Simon Harmer was the pick of the bowlers of the match, finishing with figures of 4/30 in the first innings and 4/21 in the second, making it eight wickets for the game. His spell on Day 3, in particular, broke India’s backbone. His dismissals included Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. Notably, the pressure he built at one end allowed Jansen and Maharaj to attack from the other.

Simon Harmer turned out to be one of South Africa’s hero in Kolkata - 8/51 in the Test match. - His shoes size is 15. 😄

Simon Harmer was named Player of the Match for his impressive eight-wicket match haul that guided South Africa’s historic victory. Harmer's spells in both innings helped the visitors to keep the Indian team in check and restrict them at low scores.

After winning the opening fixture, the visitors currently lead the two-match series 0-1. The Proteas will look to seal the series with a victory in the second match, while the home team will hope to level the series. The 2nd Test between the two teams is scheduled to take place from November 22 to 26, at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.