India suffer defeat at Eden Gardens in modest run-chase against South Africa

Despite bowlers putting up a showdown to remember, the Indian batters crumbled on the third day of the Test as South Africa managed to walk away with a win at Eden Gardens. After India had the visitors where they wanted them to be at the end of the second day, Temba Bavuma’s defiant stance pushed them to a formidable total.

Starting the day at 93/7, Bavuma (55*) kept on pushing as much as possible while Corbin Bosch (25) played a handy innings to keep the Indian bowlers at bay. By the time Jasprit Bumrah would finally rattle the partnership, South Africa found themselves in a fighting position. At the end of it all, the visitors could manage 153 runs, thereby securing a lead of 123. Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the lot with figures of 4/50.

A target that initially looked chasable suddenly turned into a nightmare for the hosts. With Shubman Gill sidelined for the rest of the Test due to his injury in the first innings, India already had a man down.

Much to their surprise, things went from bad to worse within the first three overs as they lost their two openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and KL Rahul (1). Washington Sundar’s (31) riposte in the face of pressure saw him keep India afloat while Dhruv Jurel (13) tried to assist him as much as possible.

Unfortunately, India couldn’t keep going as they started losing wickets at regular intervals. A show of late resistance from Axar Patel (26) sparked a few hopes but Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj very cruelly snatched it away from the hosts as they were bundled out for 93. South Africa secured a thrilling win by 30 runs to go up 1-0 in the series.

Brief scores:

South Africa – 159 (Aiden Markram – 31, Jasprit Bumrah – 5/27)

India – 189 (KL Rahul – 39, Simon Harmer – 4/30)

South Africa – 153 (Temba Bavuma – 55*, Ravindra Jadeja – 4/50)

India – 93 (Washington Sundar – 31, Simon Harmer – 4/21)

Final update: South Africa win by 30 runs