South Africa secured a surprise victory in the first Test against India, winning by 30 runs inside three days at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Proteas' win marks their first Test triumph in India since 2010.
The hosts were set a daunting target of 124 to win on the final day but only managed 93 all out in 35 overs, bowled out by veteran spinner Simon Harmer who took four wickets each innings for match figures of 8-51. In contrast South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma forged his way to a defiant 55 not out from 136 balls and was aided by some big blows from Corbin Bosch, as the Proteas got to 153 all out.
India had begun the final day on 89-4 but despite Washington Sundar providing some resistance with 31 from 92 balls, they eventually fell to the part-time spin of Aiden Markram. The hosts lost their last five wickets in eight overs as Harmer and fellow spinner Keshav Maharaj ripped through the middle order.
The Proteas' World Test Championship triumph at Lord's this summer gave them a boost ahead of this series against India, with captain Markram saying: "It was an incredible feeling to lift the trophy back home... The team performed fantastically well, and I'm incredibly proud of every single player."
The second and final Test begins in Guwahati next Saturday.
The hosts were set a daunting target of 124 to win on the final day but only managed 93 all out in 35 overs, bowled out by veteran spinner Simon Harmer who took four wickets each innings for match figures of 8-51. In contrast South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma forged his way to a defiant 55 not out from 136 balls and was aided by some big blows from Corbin Bosch, as the Proteas got to 153 all out.
India had begun the final day on 89-4 but despite Washington Sundar providing some resistance with 31 from 92 balls, they eventually fell to the part-time spin of Aiden Markram. The hosts lost their last five wickets in eight overs as Harmer and fellow spinner Keshav Maharaj ripped through the middle order.
The Proteas' World Test Championship triumph at Lord's this summer gave them a boost ahead of this series against India, with captain Markram saying: "It was an incredible feeling to lift the trophy back home... The team performed fantastically well, and I'm incredibly proud of every single player."
The second and final Test begins in Guwahati next Saturday.
like, they went from zero to hero in like 3 days, it's crazy how quickly things can turn around in sports... and on a personal level, I mean temba bavuma's 55 not out is just so satisfying, he's like the underdog who proves everyone wrong again 
. but seriously though, this win marks a turning point for the Proteas, all that practice and dedication must've paid off... it's a great feeling to come from behind and pull ahead, kinda like in life, we gotta stay resilient and keep pushing forward even when things seem bleak 
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They totally deserve it after all those years without a victory here. Simon Harmer was like a superhero on the field, 8-51 is insane! 
And Bavuma's 55 not out was so clutch. I'm loving how the Proteas are on a roll, this World Test Championship win was definitely a momentum booster for them. Can't wait to see what happens in Guwahati next Saturday, fingers crossed they can keep it going! 
South Africa's win is like, the biggest shock ever! I knew they had that fire in them after Lord's 
, but still... Simon Harmer is literally a genius on the field 
his 8-51 figures are insane!!! And Temba Bavuma's 55 not out was so inspiring, he's my spirit animal 
can't wait for the next match in Guwahati, bring it on!!! 
8-51 is some serious spin magic, gotta respect the old man's skills 
what a boost for them heading into the next test in Guwahati, gonna be interesting to see how they match up against India again 
can't wait for the next test in guwahati, gotta see how india responds 
can't wait for the next match in guwahati, gonna be intense!
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. Harmer was the real hero, mate - that guy is like a magician with his spells 
. I mean, 8-51 in this match is insane! And Bavuma's knock was just fantastic, so cool to see him stay calm under pressure 
. India was looking good at first but they just couldn't get past those Proteas bowlers 
. Bring on the second Test in Guwahati - can't wait to see what happens next! 