IND vs SA 2025: 3 reasons why South Africa won the 1st Test

South Africa clinched a thrilling victory against India in the first Test of the two-match series in Kolkata, winning by 30 runs. On a challenging Eden Gardens pitch where both sides struggled to score freely, the visitors held their nerve and executed their plans better to go 1-0 up in the series. With a chance to seal a historic series win in the second Test, here are three key reasons why South Africa emerged victorious in the series opener.

Harmer’s disciplined spell of spin bowling

Right-arm off-spinner Simon Harmer produced a match-defining performance with the ball, showcasing exceptional discipline. His relentless accuracy to extract sharp turns from the surface troubled the Indian batters throughout the match. Harmer picked up 4/30 in the first innings and followed it up with 4/21 in the second, returning with outstanding match figures of 8/51. His tight lines allowed him to make the most of the helpful pitch, playing a pivotal role in breaking partnerships and keeping India under pressure.

Lower-order resilience and their contributions

At 91/7 in their first innings, South Africa were in deep trouble, but their lower-order batters showed remarkable composure. Captain Temba Bavuma found support from Corbin Bosch and Simon Harmer, who added 32 crucial runs and soaked up valuable deliveries at a time when India could have taken complete control of the match. The Indian spinners failed to capitalise on the situation, allowing the tailenders to settle and contribute important runs. These lower-order partnerships ultimately widened the margin that India had to chase later.

Bavuma’s gritty knock in the second innings

South African skipper Temba Bavuma delivered one of the finest knocks of the match under immense pressure. His second-innings 55 off 136 balls was a masterclass in patience and temperament on a pitch where run-scoring was extremely difficult. Bavuma batted for nearly three hours, holding the innings together while wickets fell at the other end. His four boundaries came through calculated shot selection, and his ability to rotate strike denied India the momentum needed to run through the batting order.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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