Kolkata | Nov 15, 2025 | SKY LINK TIMES |
Day two of the first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens produced gripping cricket, as off-spinner Simon Harmer delivered a superb four-wicket spell to bowl India out for 189, giving the hosts a slender 30-run lead. The low-scoring contest has now opened up dramatically, setting up an exciting final few days.
Table of Contents
India Struggle for Partnerships
Much like South Africa’s first innings on day one, India’s batting effort lacked solidity and meaningful partnerships. The only stand of note was a 57-run partnership between KL Rahul and Washington Sundar, which briefly steadied the innings.
Rahul top-scored with 39, becoming the only Indian batter to cross 30. After being well-placed at 153/4, India lost their last five wickets for just 36 runs, collapsing to 189 in 62.2 overs.
The innings ended even more concerningly for India as Shubman Gill, who retired hurt on four due to a neck spasm, did not return to bat.
Simon Harmer and Jansen Lead South Africa’s Fightback
On a surface offering inconsistent bounce and two-paced behavior, Simon Harmer extracted sharp turn and used subtle variations in pace. His brilliant spell of 4/30 turned the momentum South Africa’s way.
Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen provided strong support, finishing with 3/35, including the key wickets of Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj.
Harmer struck early in the second session, removing Dhruv Jurel with a smart caught-and-bowled chance. He later trapped Ravindra Jadeja lbw with a skiddy delivery, a decision that stood despite India’s review. His final strike came when Axar Patel was caught at backward point, sealing India’s collapse.
India’s Brief Resistance
Earlier in the session, Dhruv Jurel played some fluent strokes, cutting and driving Corbin Bosch for boundaries. Jadeja also looked composed, producing a classy drive through covers. But the resistance was short-lived, and India’s lower order couldn’t handle South Africa’s disciplined bowling.
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Low-Scoring Test Poised for a Thriller
With both sides posting modest totals—South Africa’s 159 in reply to India’s 189—the match remains finely balanced. India’s narrow 30-run lead could prove crucial, but the visitors will feel firmly in the contest, especially if India’s batting struggles continue in the second innings.
Brief Scores
South Africa: 159 in 55 overs (Aiden Markram 31; Jasprit Bumrah 5-27)
India: 189 in 62.2 overs (KL Rahul 39, Washington Sundar 29; Simon Harmer 4-30, Marco Jansen 3-35)
India lead by 30 runs
As the action heads into day three, all eyes will be on how South Africa approach their second innings and whether India’s bowlers—led by Bumrah—can exploit the conditions once again.
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