India’s batting department experienced a harsh reality check as the Proteas spin maestro, Simon Harmer, exposed the batting ability of the home side in the challenging conditions during the opening Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Blue Brigade ended up losing the contest by 30 runs after getting bundled out for 93 in the fourth innings. 

India has now slipped to fourth place in the points table of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 with a percentage point of 54.17 as Sri Lanka goes up to the third position for a percentage point of 66.67, which is equaled by the Proteas, who have earned two victories in three group-stage clashes.

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Winning the toss, South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma decided to bat first and bundled out for 159 runs in 55 overs. None of their batters crossed the 30-run mark except Aiden Markram as their premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, ended up with fine figures of 5/27 in 14 overs, including five maidens.

India, in reply, ended up with 189 runs in their first innings, earning a lead of 30 runs, which could have crossed the 75-run mark at one point. KL Rahul was their leading individual run-getter with 39 runs in 119 balls, while the rest of the batters couldn’t cross the 30-run mark. Bavuma’s 55* set the target of 124 runs in the fourth innings.

Simon Harmer’s 4/21 in 14 overs, including four maidens, helped them bundle out the Blue Brigade for 93 and earned the 30-run win at the end.