South Africa defended a small target in a gripping Test match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, beating India by 30 runs to go 1–0 up in the two‑match Test series and registering a massive win in context of the World Test Championship 2025-27.
Chasing 124, India were bowled out for 93 as South Africa’s spinners and seamers shared crucial strikes on a wearing surface.
Keshav Maharaj sealed the result at the death, removing Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj with consecutive deliveries to close India’s fourth‑innings resistance.
Experienced campaigner, Simon Harmer was the destroyer in chief as Indian batters looked clueless facing his off-spin on a rank turner. Harmer picked up 4 crucial wickets as South Africa wrapped up their first Test victory in India in 15 years.
India’s chase faltered after early setbacks and a steady stream of middle‑order dismissals. Despite brief stands that kept the contest alive, regular breakthroughs tilted the balance back toward the visitors. South Africa’s attack maintained pressure with tight lines and smart fields, turning a modest total into a defendable one.
India suffered a major setback as their captain, Shubman Gill retired hurt in their first batting innings and was ruled out of the Test match. He did not return to bat as India played with 10 men in their 4th innings.
On a difficult batting pitch, runs were at a premium throughout. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma top‑scored for his side with a composed 50, the only half-century of the match and a decisive contribution given the low-scoring nature of the game.
The result lifts South Africa in the World Test Championship standings, while India lose ground after the narrow defeat. The second Test is scheduled for Guwahati, where India will look to level the series and South Africa will aim to complete a rare away series win.
Here is the updated World Test Championship (2025-27) points table:
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Points | Deductions | Percentage Points |
| Australia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 100.00 |
| South Africa | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 0 | 66.67 |
| India | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 52 | 0 | 54.17 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 50.00 |
| England | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 26 | 2 | 43.33 |
| Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 16.67 |
| West Indies | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| New Zealand | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
You mean the same india that defeated you 3 times in 1 series ?