South Africa clinched their first Test victory on Indian soil in 15 years as off-spinner Simon Harmer delivered a match-winning performance in Kolkata. With India chasing 124 and captain Shubman Gill unable to bat due to hospitalisation for neck spasms, Harmer dismantled the hosts’ lineup, setting up a dramatic 30-run win in the low-scoring series opener.
Axar pumped Harmer’s fellow spinner Keshav Maharaj for two sixes and a four across the first four balls of the 35th over, only to then hole out attempting another big hit – South Africa captain Temba Bavuma taking a superb catch on the run – before Maharaj dismissed Mohammed Siraj next ball to secure victory.
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India slumped to 1-2 and 38-4 as seamer Jansen nicked off openers Yashashi Jaiswal (0) and KL Rahul (1) and Harmer dismissed Pant (2) and Dhruv Jurel (13).
Harmer then struck again, pinning Ravindra Jadeja (18) lbw after a stand of 26 with Washington Sundar (31) before catching Washington off Aiden Markram (1-5) at first slip and then trapping Kuldeep Yadav (1) lbw.
Axar’s dashing knock may have given the away side a few jitters but Maharaj had the final say, with South Africa now eyeing just a second series win in India in the Test format and a first since a 2-0 victory in 2000 when they triumphed in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The two-Test series, which concludes in Guwahati from November 22-26, is followed by a three-match one-day international series and then five T20 internationals.
