South Africa dealt India a major blow in the first Test of the two-match series in Kolkata, clinching a remarkable 30-run victory on a turning track that exposed India’s continued struggles at home. Chasing a modest 124, India collapsed under sustained pressure from Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, marking their fourth defeat in six home Tests.
Despite trailing by 30 runs in the first innings, South Africa fought back strongly, adding crucial runs through a gritty half-century from captain Temba Bavuma. Their last three wickets contributed 60 valuable runs on the third morning, pushing the lead beyond 120 — a target that eventually proved match-winning.
The loss has triggered concerns within India’s think tank as they continue to falter on spin-friendly surfaces. With Shubman Gill unavailable, India were already a batter short but were still expected to chase down the small target. Instead, the collapse has intensified scrutiny of pitch strategy and batting technique ahead of the second Test in Guwahati.
South Africa’s victory — their second straight in the new WTC cycle — propelled them to joint-second on the World Test Championship points table with a PCT of 66.67, alongside Sri Lanka. India slipped to fourth with a reduced PCT of 54.17, narrowly ahead of Pakistan and England.
