Off-spinner Simon Harmer led South Africa’s lion-hearted bowling effort as the Proteas recorded a thrilling 30-run win against India within three days of Sunday’s low-scoring opening Test.
Harmer claimed 4-21 as India, chasing 124 for victory, folded for 93 in a remarkable batting meltdown in front of the nearly 40,000-strong crowd at Eden Gardens.
“It’s very exciting,” South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said after the win.
“We want to be part of these matches and be on the right side of the result. It was tough for us and we needed the bowlers to reel us back in.”
Earlier, Bavuma dragged the reigning world champions back into the match with an innings of tremendous guts.
After giving up a lead of 30 in the first innings, South Africa resumed day three at a precarious 93-7, with the onus on Bavuma to give his bowlers some runs to defend.
Bavuma replied with an unbeaten 55 – the only 50 by any batsman on a minefield of a pitch where inconsistent bounce and spin made life difficult for the shot makers.
Corbin Bosch produced a challenging 25, but when Jasprit Bumrah reattached his stump, South Africa’s tail promptly collapsed.
Bavuma was left behind after a 136-ball challenge, which featured four boundaries and plenty of determination.
Chasing a small total to win, India were already a batsman short as skipper Shubman Gill retired injured in the first innings and could not bat in the second.
To make matters worse, Marco Jansen claimed two wickets in his first seven deliveries, leaving India reeling.
Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a four-ball duck while opening partner KL Rahul made one before he too fell behind.
Harmer dismissed Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant to reduce India to 38-4 and then trapped Ravindra Jadeja (18).
Aiden Markram struck a crucial blow when he dismissed a set Washington Sundar (31) at slip.
Realizing the futility of trying to hang around, Axar Patel hit a couple of sixes before falling for 26, effectively sealing the match in South Africa’s favour.
“You can’t dwell on it too much,” India vice-captain Rishabh Pant said. “We should have been able to chase it down.”
“The pressure kept building on us in the second innings and we couldn’t capitalize.”
Harmer was named player of the match for his eight wickets.
“Obviously there is another test to be done in the series, but we will definitely enjoy these and stick with them because they don’t happen that often,” he said.
The second and final test is scheduled to take place in Guwahati from November 22.
