South Africa started the third day of the Kolkata Test on Sunday, November 16, with 93 for 7, just 63 runs ahead. Yet, they pulled off a stunning win — their first Test victory on Indian soil in 15 years. Posting a target of 124, the visitors wrapped up the game with 30 runs to spare. India, bowled out for 93, handed Temba Bavuma and his team an unforgettable triumph. Only once before in Asia has South Africa won a Test with a smaller margin.

Injuries also played a part in India’s defeat. Captain Shubman Gill retired hurt after scoring 4 in the first innings and couldn’t come out to bat in the second when his team was in trouble. That opened the door wide for the visitors.

Spinner Simon Harmer took 4 for 21, Keshav Maharaj grabbed 2 for 37, and pacer Marco Jansen chipped in with 2 for 15, leading South Africa to a win over the current world champions.

South Africa now leads the two-Test series 1-0. The second and final match in Guwahati from November 22 will see Bavuma and Aiden Markram back at the crease, giving the visitors more freedom. After the Test series, the teams will face off in three ODIs and five T20Is.

As captain, this was Bavuma’s 10th win in 11 matches. He led from the front today, scoring an unbeaten 55 off 136 balls in a gritty morning innings that set up South Africa’s total before the bowlers sealed the victory.

Brief Score

South Africa: 159 & 153 (Bavuma 55*, Bosch 25; Jadeja 4/50, Siraj 2/2, Kuldeep 2/30)

India: 189 & 93 (Washington 31, Axar 26; Harmer 4/21, Jansen 2/15, Maharaj 2/37)

Result: South Africa won by 30 runs

Player of the Match: Simon Harmer (8 wickets)