Eden Gardens Shock: India Fall Short in a 124-Run Chase
India faced a surprising loss at Eden Gardens, falling short while chasing a target of just 124 runs against South Africa.
India suffered a disappointing loss in the first Test at Eden Gardens, crumbling while chasing a modest target of 124 against South Africa. What seemed like an easy chase soon turned into a major collapse as Simon Harmer led a fierce South African bowling attack. India’s batting looked even more vulnerable with captain Shubman Gill missing due to injury, allowing South Africa to take full control of the match.
In less than three days, the match produced just over 400 runs and saw all 40 wickets fall - highlighting a pitch that was almost unplayable. South Africa adapted far better to the chaos. Temba Bavuma’s fighting fifty, Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket spell, Harmer’s match-turning bowling, and Washington Sundar’s brave stand were key moments in a Test that will be remembered for its intensity and the huge debate it sparked about the condition of the pitch.
Bavuma’s gritty 55 was the standout effort in a hard-fought contest
The tone of the match was established right from Day 1. South Africa chose to bat first but were bundled out for just 159 as Jasprit Bumrah delivered another brilliant spell in home conditions. His 5/27 shattered their top and middle order, while Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up the remaining wickets around him.
India didn’t fare much better, managing only 30 runs more than South Africa. KL Rahul’s steady 39 held the innings together, while Washington Sundar’s calm 29 at number three and small but useful contributions from Rishabh Pant and Jadeja added some stability. Harmer was consistently dangerous, picking up three important wickets, while Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen kept the pressure on to ensure India never built a big lead.
The turning point of the match came through Bavuma’s fighting second-innings knock. South Africa began Day 3 at 93/7, only 63 runs ahead and close to a big defeat. But their captain played a crucial 55 off 136 balls, the only fifty of the entire Test, on a pitch where sharp turn and uneven bounce troubled every batter. He cleverly managed the strike, protected the tailenders, and stitched valuable partnerships with Bosch and the lower order to push the total to 153, giving South Africa a lead of 123. By the time the innings ended, Bavuma had done far more than score runs - he had completely shifted the momentum of the match in his team’s favor.
India Failed to chase low total
India’s chase started poorly and never really found stability. Marco Jansen, coming off a fiery first-innings spell, struck early again-removing both openers within his first few overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a duck, KL Rahul followed for just one, and India staggered into lunch at 10/2.
With Shubman Gill ruled out due to a neck spasm, Washington Sundar had to take on a crucial responsibility. His determined 31 from 92 balls kept India in the fight when the chase seemed ready to crumble. The partnerships he formed with Ravindra Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel were vital, giving India short moments of stability during the slide. But once Jadeja fell, Harmer tightened his grip on the innings, and the pressure quickly became overwhelming.
With just two wickets remaining, Axar Patel tried to counterattack Keshav Maharaj. He smashed two sixes and a four in a single over, briefly lifting India’s hopes. But Maharaj struck back immediately, dismissing Axar and crushing India’s chances. Mohammed Siraj lasted only one delivery, and South Africa sealed a 30-run victory.
This win marks South Africa’s first Test victory in India in 15 years, setting up a high-pressure showdown in Guwahati. India must win the next match to draw the series and keep their World Test Championship hopes alive, raising the stakes even higher for an already thrilling contest.
