IND vs SA | Twitter in awe as Simon Harmer spins Proteas to memorable win inside three days

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ByVenkateswaran N, SportsCafe Editor

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South Africa beat India by 30 runs in the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. Off-spinner Simon Harmer picked up four wickets in the second innings to skittle out India for a paltry total after Temba Bavuma’s fighting half-century set the hosts a tricky target of 124.

‌Simon Harmer spun South Africa to a historic win over India at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. The off-spinner picked up 4/21 in the second innings, ending with a match haul of eight wickets, to shoot India down for a paltry total after captain Temba Bavuma’s gritty half-century helped the visitors set a target of 124.

After starting the day at a bothersome 93/7, Bavuma and Corbin Bosch frustrated India with a crucial partnership. The Proteas skipper held one end up with his stoic display, while Bosch looked more aggressive, hitting two fours and a six in his 37-ball 25. Though Jasprit Bumrah came into the attack and castled Bosch to end the 44-run association, Bavuma remained unperturbed, completing his half-century. Just as the Proteas went past the 150-run mark and looked to build a formidable lead, skipper Rishabh Pant brought in Mohammed Siraj, and the pacer responded instantly. He picked up two wickets in just his second over to end the visitors’ second essay at 153. Bavuma had four boundaries during his unbeaten 136-ball 55, while Ravindra Jadeja was the hosts’ most successful bowler with figures of 4/50.

India had a horrific start to their run chase with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul departing cheaply, to Marco Jansen, inside three overs, with the score at one. But Washington Sundar and Dhruv Jurel steadied things up with a 32-run stand as the match was nicely poised, with both teams having a fair chance to go the distance. But a middle-order collapse saw India slip to 64/5, as Jurel and Jadeja perished after promising starts. Captain Bavuma introduced Aiden Markram, with two left-handers occupying the crease, and that proved to be a masterstroke. The off-spinner dismissed the well-set Sundar (31 off 92 balls) as the home side’s innings ended at an embarrassing 93. Though Axar Patel smashed a four and two sixes in an over off Keshav Maharaj to take the side close to the 100-run mark, it only delayed the inevitable. The left-arm spinner bounced back with two wickets in the same over to win their first Test in India in 15 years, with captain Shubman Gill not taking the field due to his neck injury earlier in the match.

Quiet Brilliance

Historic Win

Costly Start

Harmer Brilliant

SA Dominance

Well Played

Streak Broken

Captain’s Show

Thrilling Finish

SA win!

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