Eden Thriller Ends in Heartbreak as India Fall Short on Final Morning

Ray Sportz Web Desk: In a dramatic low-scoring contest at Eden Gardens, South Africa defeated India by 30 runs on Day 3 to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. The match, which swung from one side to the other over two days, ended in a tense final session as India, chasing a modest 124, were bundled out for 93.
India resumed the morning at a vulnerable position, requiring a little over 100 runs with plenty of time in hand. But any hopes of a steady chase were shattered early as South Africa’s spinners and seamers exploited the unpredictable Kolkata surface. Off-spinner Simon Harmer emerged as the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 4 for 21, while the rest of the attack maintained relentless pressure.
The pitch once again became the centre of debate, displaying variable bounce and sharp turn. Indian batters struggled to negotiate the spinners, and no partnership of substance materialised. India were also hampered by the absence of skipper Shubman Gill, who was ruled out of the match due to a neck spasm, adding further instability to the batting order.
South Africa’s position of strength was built on captain Temba Bavuma’s gritty, unbeaten 55 in the second innings — an effort that proved match-defining on such a difficult surface. His calmness amid chaos helped the visitors post 153, setting India a tricky target that ultimately proved too steep.
The victory marked South Africa’s first Test win on Indian soil in 15 years, breaking a long-standing drought and injecting confidence into a side rebuilding under Bavuma’s leadership.
For India, the loss raises questions about strategy and temperament on challenging pitches. With only one Test left in the series, the team will need a sharp turnaround to avoid a rare home series defeat.