South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in the first Test played in Kolkata. In that Test, the Bavuma team set the Indian team a target of just 124 runs, but the Shubman team failed to even reach that target. As a result, the African team achieved its first Test victory in India in 15 years. The South African team is now on the verge of a historic Test series victory in India. Even a draw in the second Test in Guwahati would be enough to secure a series win for captain Temba Bavuma’s team. However, their preparations have been disrupted.
Injury hit South Africa camp
According to a media report, Simon Harmer, the Kolkata Test’s Player of the Match, has a shoulder problem, while left-arm pacer Marco Jansen Jansen is also suffering from a minor injury. Both players underwent medical tests on Tuesday at Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata, the same hospital where Shubman Gill received treatment for his neck injury.
The visitors also jumped to second place in the ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) points table after their impressive victory at Eden Gardens. This win was their first Test win in India since 2010. This lifted them from fourth place to 66.67 PCT, placing them just behind leaders Australia. Sri Lanka slipped to third, and India moved up to fourth with 54.17 PCT.
In the Kolkata Test, Bavuma scored an unbeaten 55, and Simon Harmer took eight wickets in the match. They played a key role in South Africa’s 1-0 lead. In the absence of regular captain Shubman Gill, India faltered in their pursuit of a 124-run target, collapsing to 93.
Harmer continued his impressive form with 4/21 in the second innings after taking 4/30 in the first innings, while Keshav Maharaj took two wickets and Jansen Jansen put India under pressure by dismissing both Indian openers. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel tried to stabilize India in the second innings. Sundar scored 31 before being dismissed by Aiden Markram, while Patel’s quickfire 26 ended with Maharaj dismissing him.