South Africa claim first Test victory over India on tough Eden Gardens pitch

South Africa have ended a 15-year drought on Indian soil, taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the two-game Test series on a Kolkata pitch that earned plenty of criticism.

The hosts collapsed to 93 all out in the second innings and failed to chase down the 124-run target at Eden Gardens.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer took 4-21 in 14 overs, while left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj picked up 2-37. All-rounder Marco Jansen also took 2-15 as the World Test Champions completed a remarkable win in less than three days.

It was the second-lowest fourth-innings’ target India failed to chase down in tests – after 120 against West Indies in 1997 in Barbados.

Overall, it was the second-lowest total defended on Indian soil in Tests. India had previously defended 107 against Australia in Mumbai in 2004.

South African players celebrate the final wicket Twitter

India was a batter short as skipper Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck spasm whilst batting on day two, was subsequently hospitalized for observation and care on Saturday evening. On Sunday, the BCCI said that Gill would take no further part in the Test.

There is no word yet on his availability for the second test.

At lunch, India was down to 2-10 and effectively 3-10 in Gill’s absence.

Jansen struck twice in the brief seven-over session before lunch, removing both openers, while Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught behind for a four-ball duck.

Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar notched up 32 off 77 balls for the third wicket after lunch, but Jurel holed out in the deep off Harmer in the 15th over.

Harmer then delivered the biggest blow five overs later – Rishabh Pant, struggling for rhythm, offered a simple return catch and was dismissed for two runs.

Ravindra Jadeja scored 18 and put on 26 off 45 balls, before he was out lbw to Harmer.

Axar Patel hit two sixes as he raced to 26 off 17 balls, but Maharaj struck twice in the 35th over to seal a famous win for South Africa.

Patel holed out to a brilliant running catch from Temba Bavuma, and then Mohammed Siraj was caught first ball at slip, as India succumbed at home to spin once again.

Harmer was named player of the match for his match haul of 8-51.

Simon Harmer celebrates the wicket of Rishabh Pant NurPhoto via Getty Images

“Today the pitch was a little flatter and the ball went softer quickly,” he said.

“We were behind the eight ball, but for the team to fight back the way it did, shows where this group of players is at. It shows what we are capable of and belief we have.

“There is still another Test, but we are going to enjoy this win as it doesn’t come often.”

Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 153 runs in its second innings. It added 60 vital runs to its overnight score of 93-7.

Temba Bavuma scored 55 not out off 136 balls – the only half-century of the test across both sides – as he marshalled the Proteas to a challenging fourth innings’ score.

The skipper added 44 off 79 balls with Corbin Bosch for the eighth wicket.

The biggest talking point however was the pitch at Eden Gardens pitch has come in for sharp criticism after the first test ended within three days.

“I have been coming to Kolkata for a long time and I have never seen a pitch like this at the Eden Gardens,” said former India leg spinner Anil Kumble said on JioStar.

Proteas legend Dale Steyn admitted players from both sides struggled with the deck.

“There were definitely demons in the pitch,” he said.

Temba Bavuma Getty

“The batters couldn’t trust their defence and they didn’t know what to do.

“Even set batters like Temba Bavuma and Washington Sundar knew the next ball could have their name on it.

India coach Gautam Gambhir shrugged off the criticism.

“This is exactly the pitch we wanted and the curator was very helpful,” he said.

“There was nothing wrong with the pitch. We couldn’t handle the pressure of the fourth innings’ chase and we need to improve.

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