Ind vs SA Test 1 Day 3 : Proteas stun India with a thrilling 30-run win
Ind vs SA Test 1 Day 3 at Eden Gardens turned into a roller-coaster that ended with a stunning twist. India entered the morning as favourites, needing just 124 runs to win the first Test, but South Africa produced one of their grittiest bowling performances in recent years to seal a remarkable 30-run victory, their first Test win on Indian soil in 15 years. What looked like a routine chase quickly turned into chaos as India collapsed under relentless pressure.
What Happened on Day-2
Day 2 belonged entirely to India. After posting 189 in the first innings and taking a 30-run lead, India’s spinners tightened the screws and reduced South Africa to 93/7 at stumps. Ravindra Jadeja led the assault with a sharp four-wicket burst, while the pitch started showing early signs of wear. India walked off the field looking in total control, with only the Proteas tail left to clean up.
Also Read : Ind vs SA Test 1 Day 2 Report – India inch closer to a win
India vs South Africa — 1st Test - Day 3
ICC World Test Championship 2025/26 • 14–18 November 2025
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
What Happened on Day-3
Day three at Eden Gardens dawned with a silent tension in the Kolkata air. South Africa, clinging to life at 93/7 overnight, saw skipper Temba Bavuma resolutely marshal the tail to a fighting 55 not out, setting India a seemingly achievable target of 124.
Indian openers strode out under gathering clouds, South African bowler Marco Jansen sensed blood. Jansen dismissed both openers at team total of 1 run. Early breakthroughs left India worried at lunch. Post lunch, a strong comeback was shown by Washington Sundar and Dhruv Jurel with 32 runs for 3rd wicket. Jurel finally fell to Harmer getting caught at mid-wicket. wickets tumbling almost rhythmically; every false shot and edge drew groans from the crowd and excitement from the Proteas, who could now almost taste a rare victory on Indian soil.
Intensity only grew as Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja tried to stitch together a fragile stand of 26 runs for 5th wicket, momentarily reviving hopes with their determined strokes and singles amid chants vibrating from the stands. However, the relentless spin and bounce proved too much—Simon Harmer eventually prised open the last remaining partnerships, and as Mohammed Siraj edged to slip for the final wicket, South Africa erupted in celebration. A stunned silence cloaked the iconic ground; India fell short at 93, suffering their first Test loss at Eden Gardens in over a decade, while the Proteas won their first in Kolkata in 15 years—a story of patience, nerve, and a hard-fought 30-run triumph for the visitors.
Ind vs SA Test Day 3 : Session-wise Analysis
Morning Session — SA's tail fights back
South Africa’s lower order showed grit India didn’t see coming. They nudged, defended, and swung when needed, adding vital runs that gave their bowlers something to work with. It was a momentum-shifting effort.
Afternoon Post-Lunch Session — India's chase unravels but fails as South Africa seal an iconic win
Indian openers walked out to what everyone assumed was a small chase, but South Africa’s pace-spin combination tightened the screws instantly. India collapsed from both ends, losing key players to pressure shots and clever bowling.
With India eight down, the Proteas sensed history. The bowlers stayed ruthless, the fielders stayed sharp, and India simply couldn’t recover. South Africa wrapped up the match, sealing their first Test win in India since 2008.
Video : Mohammad Siraf fell to a catch at slips off Keshav Maharaj
Top Performers of Day-3
Tenda Bavuma - The Strong Resilience in Difficult Conditions on Day-3
When South Africa appeared vulnerable in the second innings, Temba Bavuma stepped up with a textbook display of composure. On a surface where every shot was a risk, he carved out an unbeaten 55, stabilising the innings and steering his team to a defendable total. Under his captaincy, the visitors dug deep, and Bavuma’s knock gave the bowlers something to defend. It wasn’t flamboyant — it didn’t need to be. In that moment, the right blend of patience and timing made all the difference. South Africa’s first Test win in India in 15 years was grounded on this decisive contribution.
Simon Harmer - The Perfect Proteas Answer to the Spinning Eden Garden Wicket
Simon Harmer arrived at the crease with purpose — and delivered when it mattered most. On Day 3, he exploited the uneven bounce and spin-friendly surface, snaring key wickets across both innings. His first-innings spell chipped in to build pressure, but it was his eight-wicket haul (4-30 & 4-21) that swung the momentum irrevocably. India simply couldn’t build partnerships as Harmer’s off-spin tightened the game. At Eden Gardens, on a pitch that offered little comfort, Harmer’s precision and depth stood out. He wasn’t just effective; he was decisive, and South Africa reaped the reward.
Player of the Match
Simon Harmer (South Africa) — Harmer was simply outstanding. He took 4 wickets in each innings, finishing with match figures of 8/51, and his off-spin carved through the Indian batting lineup on a tricky surface. His consistency and control under pressure made all the difference, earning him the award.
Simon Harmer arrived at the crease with purpose — and delivered when it mattered most. On Day 3, he exploited the uneven bounce and spin-friendly surface, snaring key wickets across both innings. His first-innings spell chipped in to build pressure, but it was his eight-wicket haul (4-30 & 4-21) that swung the momentum irrevocably. India simply couldn’t build partnerships as Harmer’s off-spin tightened the game. At Eden Gardens, on a pitch that offered little comfort, Harmer’s precision and depth stood out. He wasn’t just effective; he was decisive, and South Africa reaped the reward.
Indian Coach Gambhir spoke strongly at the post-match conference
Gautam Gambhir summed up India’s defeat by saying the team got the spinning pitch they requested, but lacked the mental toughness and ability to absorb pressure when chasing 124 runs. He emphasized that defending patiently was crucial for success, praised the players’ effort, and insisted that wins and losses are shared by the entire team, not blamed on individuals.
What to Expect from 2nd Test
With South Africa taking a shock 1–0 lead, the second Test now carries huge weight. India will need to regroup quickly, reassess their batting approach, and possibly rethink combinations. South Africa, meanwhile, will walk in with confidence and momentum. The pitch conditions, team selections, and how India handles early pressure will play a huge role in deciding whether the series ends level or in an historic away win for the Proteas.
