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    Monday, February 16
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    Fans erupt as South Africa end 15-year drought with stunning win over India in the first Test

    News DeskBy No Comments7 Mins Read
    Fans erupt as South Africa end 15-year drought with stunning win over India in the first Test

    In one of the most dramatic Test match turnarounds in recent years, South Africa stunned India by clinching a 30-run victory in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, ending a 15-year wait for a Test win on Indian soil. The contest had swung wildly over three days, but it was the Proteas who held their nerve when it mattered most, delivering a statement performance that silenced the home crowd and electrified South African fans around the world.

    Temba Bavuma’s gritty resistance turns the match on its head

    South Africa’s triumph looked unlikely for large portions of the match. After choosing to bat first, the visitors were bundled out for just 159 on Day 1, allowing India to seize early control. However, the Proteas bowlers, led by Simon Harmer, delivered a sensational comeback performance as India were restricted to 189, securing only a slender 30-run lead despite favourable batting conditions.

    The second innings began disastrously for South Africa as they stumbled to 93/7 by stumps on Day 2. With India firm favourites, the match seemed headed for a routine home victory. But captain Temba Bavuma had other ideas. On a pitch offering sharp turn and uneven bounce, the South African skipper produced a masterclass in patience, footwork, and composure. His fighting fifty — remarkably the only half-century scored by any batter in the match — proved to be the innings that changed the storyline completely.

    Bavuma shepherded the tail brilliantly, adding 60 crucial runs on the third morning to push South Africa to 153. The target of 124, though modest, was always going to be tricky on a deteriorating surface.

    Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer crush India with ruthless precision

    Chasing 124, India needed a calm, disciplined approach. Instead, South Africa’s spinners pounced on the opportunity. Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer bowled with relentless accuracy, exploiting every ounce of assistance from the pitch. India lost wickets in clusters, and the pressure mounted rapidly as runs dried up.

    Despite Axar Patel’s brief counterattack — including a flurry of boundaries and two towering sixes off Maharaj — India remained on the brink. His attacking intent brought 16 runs in a single over, raising faint hopes, but Bavuma’s faith in Maharaj paid off almost immediately.

    Axar mishit a slog and Bavuma completed a sharp catch at midwicket. Off the very next delivery, Mohammed Siraj edged to slip, bringing a dramatic end to the contest. India were bowled out for just 93, collapsing under the brilliance of South Africa’s spin duo and the mounting scoreboard pressure.

    Here’s how fans reacted:

    Also WATCH: IND vs SA – Mohammed Siraj splits Simon Harmer’s off-stump in half with a dream delivery on Day 3 of first Test



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