At the close of play on day two of the first Test, South Africa were struggling on 93/7 in their second innings after yet another collapse. They held a 63-run lead with just three wickets in hand, with skipper Temba Bavuma unbeaten on 29 and all-rounder Corbin Bosch on one.

But on Sunday morning, Bavuma counter-attacked brilliantly, finishing on 55 not out. Bosch provided crucial support with 25 off 37 deliveries, while Marco Jansen added a valuable 13 – the third-highest score of the innings. 

Their efforts lifted South Africa to 153 all out, setting India a target of 124.

Marco Jansen. Photo: sacricketmag

Thanks to Bavuma and Bosch, the bowlers finally had something to work with. Jansen struck early, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck and KL Rahul for one. Off-spinner Simon Harmer then took command, claiming a superb four-wicket haul that dismantled India’s middle order. 

His wickets included Dhruv Jurel, danger-men Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav.

Aiden Markram chipped in with the dismissal of Washington Sundar, while Keshav Maharaj wrapped up the innings by removing Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj. India were bowled out for 93 in 35 overs.

Simon Harmer. Photo: Getty Images

Harmer, who took eight wickets in the match, was named Player of the Match.

India’s Shubman Gill did not bat in the second innings after retiring hurt during the first with a neck spasm. He spent Saturday night under medical supervision in a Kolkata hospital, and his availability for the second Test remains uncertain.

The teams now travel to Guwahati for the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, starting on 22 November.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger mvh