refreshGhosts of 2024? Just a year ago, Tom Latham-led New Zealand pulled off a stunning clean sweep against India at home. Now, South Africa are sitting on a 1-0 lead in this two-Test series and eyeing the same historic feat. But the bigger question that hangs over India is their increasing vulnerability to bat against top class spin, at home, which once used to be their strength. India cannot win the series from here, but they will have to work really hard to find the equaliser as Kagiso Rabada is highly likely to be slotted back in the South African side for the second and final Test. Well then, that is a wrap from the City of Joy, which actually brought a lot of joy for the Saffas. The caravan now heads further east, in Guwahati, for the second Test of the Freedom Trophy. The Barsapara Stadium is all set to host its first-ever Test match. It will be played on Saturday, 22nd November, and the first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 9 am IST (3.30 am GMT). But there is plenty of cricket going on elsewhere. Do follow all the live action by switching tabs. But from here, we take your leave, only to meet again. Take care, cheers!
South Africa's magic man with the ball, Simon Harmer, is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his excellent bowling stints. He snagged 4-fer in both innings. He explains that the pitch got flatter as the ball grew softer. Admits that he was in a dark place the last time he was in India with the team, having lost back-to-back Tests. Says that to fight from behind the eight ball shows exactly what this group is about and the belief they carry. There is still another Test to go, he reminds, but he wants the team to enjoy and savour this win because moments like these do not come often. Simon acknowledges that he was a bit lucky with a couple of his wickets, but adds that even good balls do not always bring rewards, and that is just how the game works. Harmer says he bleeds for the team and is more than happy to walk away with a four-fer. He also admits he was confused during the final moments, unaware that Shubman Gill would not be coming out to bat and unsure why Keshav Maharaj was celebrating.
The victorious captain of South Africa, Temba Bavuma, is a happy leader and cannot hide his smile as he walks up for a chat. He begins by saying that it is an exciting win for them. Adds that you want to be a part of these types of games and want to be on the right side of the result. Calls it a very tough wicket to bat on, but feels that they were fortunate enough to get a few things in their favor. Appreciates the way their bowlers bowled and also highlights the importance of Corbin Bosch stepping in a partnership with him when it mattered the most. Details that the wicket played a bit better this morning and wasn't as extreme as the first two days. Proudly says that it is not always that you set a target of 120-odd runs and believe you are in the game. About his batting, Temba notes that he is just comfortable with his technique and tries to stand as still as he can at the crease. Admits that he doesn't have a good record in this part of the world and has come here to do well with the bat. Further shares that it was all about the game awareness. Appreciates the way they stepped up in the absence of Kagiso Rabada. Says Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer have bolstered their bowling attack and they have shown that they can handle the pressure well. On the catch of Axar Patel, Bavuma says it wasn't an easy one and it came at a crucial moment as Axar had struck a few sixes just before that. He says, fortunately, Axar made a mistake and he was able to grab it with his small hands.
The stand-in skipper of India, Rishabh Pant, says that considering the surface, they can’t dwell on this loss too much, but they know they should have been able to chase it down. Feels that the pressure kept building and they didn’t capitalise enough in key moments. Mentions that Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch put together a brilliant partnership that really got South Africa back in the game. Believes that was a turning point, and the partnership hurt them. On tracks like this, even 120 can be tricky, but Pant admits that as a team, they should be able to soak up the pressure and find a way through.
South Africa's Keshav Maharaj is in for a chat. Shares that he felt a bit of nerves out with the way Axar Patel was batting, but the important thing was to stay clear with his plans. Adds that luckily, Bavuma held on to the catch. Mentions that Harmer showed exactly why he has more than 1,000 first-class wickets to his name. Believes that it was a real team effort and everyone showed genuine hunger and desire to get the job done.
... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...
Ravindra Jadeja brought a sense of urgency to the middle with his running but could not last long enough to alter the equation. And just as Temba Bavuma was the glue for South Africa in their second innings, it was Washington Sundar who held firm for India in the fourth innings, showing solid defence and admirable composure. Aiden Markram has so often been the partnership breaker, and it was his golden arm once again that delivered a crucial blow with the wicket of Sundar. Introducing Keshav Maharaj against Axar Patel was a gamble Bavuma was willing to take, and while it did cost a few runs initially, it eventually brought success. And once Axar was dismissed, the wheels just came off for India with the Proteas registering a memorable win.
After a shaky start to the chase before the Lunch break, India were in search of some stability as the game resumed. Marco Jansen was not on the field for the first few overs, which meant Corbin Bosch operated from one end. He was wayward with his lines, allowing the home side to score freely early in the session. Throughout this Test, there was one particular end from which the bowlers looked far more threatening, and India’s troubles began the moment Simon Harmer was introduced from that end. While Maharaj did not extract as much purchase as Harmer, he managed to keep things quiet, and Harmer reaped the rewards at the other end, including the prized scalp of Rishabh Pant, who had been kept quiet before the off-spinner won the battle against the southpaw.
The morning session, coming into the third day, belonged to South Africa in every sense. Starting on 93 for 7 with a 63-run lead, Bavuma delivered a captain's knock, grinding out a gritty half-century with Bosch providing crucial support in a 44-run stand. They milked 55 runs in the first hour, rotating strike smartly while India failed to plug the singles. Bosch fell to Bumrah, and Siraj mopped up the tail to bowl the Proteas out for 153, setting India 124 to win. But Jansen and Harmer had other ideas. With the ball doing everything - darting, leaping, dying - they bowled absolute fire upfront. India, effectively 0 for 1 with Gill ruled out, lost Jaiswal caught behind and Rahul to brutal bounce. Two down and reeling, that 124 suddenly looked like a mountain. South Africa put up a proper fight when it mattered most.
Day 2 saw the game move at a rapid pace, with 15 wickets falling across the day. India’s watchful approach late on Day 1 carried into the morning, but Simon Harmer gave the Proteas an opening, and from there they struck at regular intervals. It ended up being a tale of starts not converted, similar to how South Africa had fared in their first batting effort. Shubman Gill’s neck issue only added to India’s troubles, leaving the hosts with a slender lead of 30. In reply, South Africa faced a trial by spin, with Ravindra Jadeja leading the charge for India. Temba Bavuma held firm at one end but saw wickets tumbling at the other, leaving the Proteas with just three wickets in hand and a lead of 63 going into Day 3.
Day 1 belonged entirely to India. After opting to bat, the Proteas started brightly with Markram and Rickelton negotiating the tricky opening period, racing to 57 without loss before Bumrah flipped the script. His seven-over opening spell yielded two absolute jaffas that removed both openers, and Kuldeep quickly made it three to leave South Africa reeling at 71/3. De Zorzi and Mulder steadied things briefly, but the second session was a complete disaster as the visitors crumbled under relentless pressure from Bumrah, Kuldeep, and a rejuvenated Siraj, who found reverse swing. The collapse continued into the final session as South Africa were bundled out for 159, with Bumrah claiming his 16th five-wicket haul and Stubbs left stranded. India's reply got off to a shaky start with Jaiswal struggling against the new ball before Jansen removed him, but KL Rahul and Washington Sundar saw off the remaining overs to close the day, trailing by 122 runs on a pitch offering variable bounce and just enough for the bowlers.
There will be plenty said about how Temba Bavuma led from the front, both as captain and with that brilliant 54 that gave South Africa the belief they could pull this off. And the rainbow nation has done it in some style, with their bowlers stepping up massively. Simon Harmer was sensational in that Lahore Test against Pakistan last month, and he brought that same magic to the cauldron of Kolkata, picking up 8 wickets across the match. Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen's execution with the ball was equally impressive. This was a proper Proteas fightback, gritty and relentless from start to finish. As they say, try and try until you succeed. The Proteas kept grinding, kept fighting, and finally tasted a historic victory.
Eden Gardens is steeped in cricketing folklore. It's witnessed countless moments of brilliance, and this South African victory will be etched in gold and will be talked and discussed for a long, long time. This is the same venue where South Africa was welcomed back into international cricket in 1991 and now, in 2025, they have beaten a strong Indian side in their backyard, in front of 40,000 odd spectators rallying behind their home team. It took them 15 long years to beat India, in India and this is their second win in Kolkata in Test cricket. The Test may have lasted for just more than two and a half days, but it has served thrill, action, and intensity in equal measure.
No more participation from the injured player and there's absent hurt written against the name of Shubman Gill.
34.6OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Jubilation for South Africa. Disappointment for India on home soil in the longest format. Floated up around off from round the wicket. Siraj lunges forward to defend but the ball grips and turns, catching the outside edge. It dips low towards Aiden Markram at the first slip, but he maintains his cool and takes it low to his left. Keshav Maharaj sprints across the park, and all the South African players are cock a hoop, and why not, as they have defeated India in Test cricket, in India, after 15 long years. SOUTH AFRICA BEAT INDIA BY 30 RUNS!
Taken low at first slip and South Africa are celebrating. The third umpire has been called into action, but the players are already shaking hands. The catch is clean with Aiden Markram staying low to cling onto the catch.
Mohammed Siraj walks out to bat.
34.5OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND GONE! Keshav Maharaj has the final laugh and the gamble to take the attack on Maharaj does not pay off for Axar this time around. Keshav drops it full again, but slows it a bit through the air cunningly. It spins in from middle and Axar chances his arm once again, but goes through the shot a bit too early. The ball is skied up off the top edge and hangs up and over mid-wicket. Temba Bavuma from the inner ring backtracks it and takes a fine catch under pressure. Axar Patel departs on 26 (17) and India are 93/8. South Africa are just 1 wicket away from a historic win.
34.4SIX! Goes all the way! This is some sensational batting from Axar Patel. Keshav bowls it a bit too full, on middle and leg. Axar Patel gets the ball into the slot and tonks it over wide long on for a cracking six.
34.3Sharp turn into the batter, on a length. Axar Patel is rushed onto the back foot, and is cramped up for room, but manages to fend it to point.
34.2SIX! CLEAN STRIKE! Maharaj drops full and it turns into the batter, Axar Patel picks the length in a trice and slogs it powerfully over deep square leg for a huge six. It has gone a few rows back.
34.1FOUR! Dear me! Ryan Rickelton just didn't pick it up and a boundary for India after 76 balls, as per Dale Steyn on air. Dropped fuller by Keshav, on middle. Axar Patel gets down on a knee but mistimes the slog sweep to deep mid-wicket. However, Ryan Rickelton stationed in the deep, initially moves to his right, misjudging the trajectory and by the time he could amend himself, the ball races into the fence. Keshav hurls a mouthful in frustration as well.
33.6Full, on off, knocked to the bowler's left.
33.5Oh, just short! Tossed up nicely, on off, and full. Jasprit Bumrah is early into the drive and the ball pops off the outside edge, but luckily for him, it lands a few yards in front of Marco Jansen at backward point.
33.4He opens the face to the full ball and works it to point.
33.3Spins in from off, on a fuller length, Bumrah gets on the front foot and defends it back to the bowler.
Jasprit Bumrah comes out to the middle.
33.2OUT! LBW! Number 4 for Simon Harmer. He delivers it on a fractionally fuller length and gets a good bit of bounce and turn from middle. Kuldeep Yadav is drawn forward to defend but plays inside the line as the ball turns right across the face of the bat to crash on the back thigh. A big appeal for LBW and up goes the index finger. This looks dead straight, but Kuldeep has gone upstairs to review it. UltraEdge shows nothing and the Ball Tracking presents three reds. Trapped in front. Kuldeep is gone on 1 (13) and India are really on the cusp of a stinging defeat as they are 77/7, needing another 47 runs to win.
33.1Fullish delivery, on middle and leg, Axar Patel chips it wide of mid-wicket for a single.
32.6Full and straight this time, on off, Kuldeep Yadav leans forward and blocks right under the bat.
32.5Identically bowled, Kuldeep does the same as the ball spins past him.
32.4A yard behind fuller length, outside off, Kuldeep Yadav lets it be.
32.3Serves it full and around off, Kuldeep is solid in defence on the front foot.
32.2On a good length, outside off, Axar Patel gets it past point off the back foot for a single.
32.1Spin and bounce! Pitches in front of middle, and spins across the batter with a vicious bounce on it. Axar Patel is flummoxed on the front foot defence and is beaten all ends up on the outside edge.
31.6Wide outside off on a length. Kuldeep lets this ball go.
31.5A big appeal for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. He may have just jammed down on its way. Yes, just about managed to get a bat on it, did Kuldeep. Was a yorker into the stumps, drifting further in. Kuldeep tapped the front foot out to block, and just got a thick inside edge onto the front pad before the ball rolled to the leg side. Well, well, the UltraEdge shows a spike to suggest that the ball brushed the right boot first before it went to hit the bat but at the same time, the bat was jammed onto the turf. Did that result in the spike?
31.4In and around off, on a length. It grips away from Kuldeep and the southpaw is content leaving it.
31.3Full and on middle, Kuldeep Yadav stretches forward to defend.
31.2Slowish delivery, on a length outside off, at 88.7 kph. Kuldeep covers the stumps, going on the back foot and lets it be.
31.1On off and full, Axar knocks it through extra cover for a single.
30.6Around middle and off, Axar Patel works this full ball, against the spin, and down to long on for a single. India need exactly 50 runs to win!
30.5Full and on the stumps, Kuldeep sweeps it fine to the leg side for a single.
30.4Full and on off, blocked off the front foot to silly point.
30.3Outside off, left alone as it spins away.
Kuldeep Yadav walks out to bat.
30.2OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Markram continues to be the golden arm in this South African outfit. He drops it full and it dips on the batter, around off. It lands and spins away as Sundar gets on the front foot to defend. Only manages to get off the outside edge, near the shoulder of the bat. The ball carries low to the front-left of Simon Harmer, who bends low and takes a good reaction catch at first slip. A similar kind of dismissal for Sundar as in the first inning. Washington Sundar departs after a fighting knock of 31 off 92 balls and India are pegged back to 72/6, needing 52 more runs.
30.1Too full, on middle, Axar Patel gets close to the ball on the front foot and drills it to long on for a single.
29.6Good running between the wickets! Simon lands this full and just outside off. It turns away a shy bit as Washington Sundar leans on to push it in front of square. But gets a thick outside edge and the ball rolls to the left of the first slip fielder. The man from backward point chases it to his right and keeps the batters down to a single.
29.5Attacks the off stump, full in length. Washington Sundar with a huge stride forward, blocks it alertly.
29.4Very full, around off, carved out to extra cover.
29.3Too wide outside off, spins further away. Sundar shows no interest to play at it.
29.2On the stumps and full, this is pushed back to Harmer.
29.1Overpitched, on off, Axar Patel takes a big stride ahead and drives it to the right of the bowler. Harmer dives full-stretch, even gets his hands on it, but the ball is parried down to long on for a single.
28.6Outside off and full, Washington Sundar drives it inside out to extra cover.
28.5Keeps the line of attack on the stumps, does Aiden. Sundar is stern to defend it off the front foot.
28.4Drops it full and around off, Washington Sundar blocks off the inside half of the bat and the ball rolls to the leg side.
28.3Too full and in front of the sticks, Washington Sundar gets on the front foot and defends.
28.2Nice and full, tight line into the batter. Sundar lunges forward to block watchfully.
28.1Markram begins from around the stumps. Full and on off, Axar Patel drives off the front foot to long off for a single.
Just before ending his stint, Shaun Pollock mentioned on air that Aiden Markram might be a useful option with two left-handers at the crease and Keshav Maharaj not quite at his best in this game. His wish has been granted. Here's Markram.
27.6Flat and full, around off, smashed straight off the front foot, but stopped by Simon on the follow-through.
27.5On a fuller length, on middle, Axar Patel drives off the inner half through mid on for a single.
27.4On a length, on middle, Patel hangs back and tucks it through mid-wicket. Three fielders converge from different directions, but it is Tony de Zorzi from the mid-wicket region who slides to mop it up before the ropes. Two taken.
27.3In-dipper, full and on off, Patel leans forward and pushes it back to the bowler.
27.2Fuller on middle, Axar defends it off the front foot.
Axar Patel walks in next.
27.1OUT! LBW! Harmer continues to weave his magic and is pumped up to bits. Simon drifts one into the batter, and bowls it a bit too full in length. Ravindra Jadeja gets on the front foot to defend, but is struck on the full on his boot. A huge, confident appeal for LBW and the umpire obliges. However, Jadeja is a bit perplexed and opts for a review straight away. Has it hit Jadeja outside the line? UltraEdge shows that the ball has struck flush on the boot. Ball Tracking comes up with three reds and India lose another wicket. Ravindra Jadeja walks back for 18 (26) and India are 64/5, needing another 60 runs to win.
26.6Full and straight, on off, defended watchfully by Sundar.
26.5Fuller one, on off, Sundar gets his head on top of the ball and defends underneath the bat.
26.4Quicker one from Keshav on this occasion. Full and in front of the sticks, Ravindra Jadeja tries the reverse but the ball lobs off a top edge and rolls behind to the fine leg region for a single.
26.3Nicely flighted up from Maharaj, on middle, Sundar drills the full ball to long on for a single.
26.2Outside off, on a fuller length, Washington Sundar crisply drives it to the left of cover for a couple of runs. Simon Harmer from long off runs across to his right, tumbles and cuts it off to prevent any other run. Harmer feels his right shoulder after releasing the throw.
26.1Full and quick, outside off, Washington Sundar spreads on the crease and tries to smash it through cover, but the ball spins in and is dragged off the inner half of the bat to the left of the bowler.
25.6A touch wide of off, on a length, Sundar steers this through point for a single. India need 64 runs to win!
25.5Full and on off, Sundar pushes it to the right of the bowler. Simon stops it on the follow-through.
25.4Spins away off the deck, full in length, outside off. Washington strides across to drive inside out, but gets beaten all ends up.
25.3Slower through the air, on a good length, angling onto the pads. Sundar gets half-forward and drops it down the pitch with soft hands.
25.2Every run is being met with a loud cheer from the Kolkata crowd. Full from Simon, on off, Jadeja drills it through mid off for a single.
25.1Drops it a tad fuller, on off, angling in. Jadeja goes deep inside the crease to block it straight.
24.6On a length again, at 85.2 kph, and Jadeja tucks it off the back foot to deep square leg for a single.
24.5BEATEN! Good variation. On a flatter trajectory, drifting across the batter, on a length. Ravindra Jadeja is forced to play with the angle and is beaten on the outside edge as he looks to block.
24.4This time, they will get a couple of runs! Floated fuller, on the stumps, Jadeja flicks it along the ground to the left of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
24.3On the stumps, full, clipped to Bavuma at short mid-wicket.
24.2The call is for two, but they settle with a single only. Slides across off, full in length, Sundar eases it wide of short third by opening the bat face at the last second. They run the first one hard and look for a second, but the fielder in the deep is quick enough to prevent another run.
24.1Pushed flat and full, on middle, Sundar drives it gently back to the bowler.
A break in play as the two batters replenish themselves with fluids.
23.6Sundar plays just a check drive on the full delivery and the ball rolls through extra cover for a single.
23.5Tossed up nicely, full and on middle, Sundar leans on and defends as the ball contacts the shoulder of the bat due to extra bounce.
23.4On a fuller length, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja clips it wide of mid-wicket for a single. The man from mid on runs across to his left and cuts it off.
23.3Slides on with the arm, on a length. Jadeja allows the ball to thud the front pad.
23.2Fuller one, outside off, Sundar steers it through the point region for a single.
23.1Nice and full, pushed back to the bowler.
22.6Full and on off, Jadeja pads it away with a giant stride across.
22.5On off, on a length, this is stabbed wide of slip where the fielder makes a good stop.
22.4Excellent running! Straight on with the arm, on a length. Ravindra Jadeja rocks back on the back foot and gets a thick outside edge as the ball runs towards deep backward point for a couple of runs. 50 IS UP FOR INDIA!
22.3Arm ball, across off on a fuller length, Jadeja strides ahead and taps it to the point region with soft hands.
22.2Full on the stumps, blocked off the front foot.
22.1Full and on middle and leg, Jadeja flicks it to the left of Maharaj who fields the ball himself.
21.6Skids through from a tad fuller length, on off, Sundar responds with a watchful back foot block.
21.5Shorter than the fuller length, on off. Ravindra Jadeja pivots on the back foot and steers it to the right of deep square leg for a single.
21.4Into the blockhole, on middle, Jadeja gets forward and squeezes it back to Simon.
21.3Spins away from a length, around off, Jadeja hangs back and cuts it to backward point.
21.2FOUR! Welcome boundary for India and Jadeja! Harmer drops this full and down the leg stump line. Ravindra Jadeja takes a massive stride forward and sweeps it through backward square leg, beating the deep square leg fielder to his left for a boundary. India need 76 runs to win!
21.1Tossed up, at 91.9 kph, full and on middle. Ravindra Jadeja employs the sweep shot, but it goes off his gloves to the vacant leg slip region.
20.6Full and on middle at 138.4 kph. Washington Sundar flicks it solidly to mid on.
20.5Fuller, nipping in from off, Washington Sundar gets on the front foot to defend, but the ball goes off the inside edge to square leg.
20.4Back of a length, on off, Jadeja rides the bounce and punches it through extra cover for a single.
20.3Back of a length, on middle, tucked with soft hands to the leg side.
20.2FOUR! Another boundary that goes fine! Full and angled onto the pads, Ravindra Jadeja brings the bat in front, just uses his wrists at the point of contact. The ball goes off the inner half of the bat and races away to the deep fine leg fence.
20.1Oof! This doesn't rise as much as Sundar anticipated. Short of a good length, angling onto the bodyline. Washington Sundar has very little room to duck under and does not sway away in time. The ball jars his arm guard and rolls to square leg. They cross for a leg bye.
19.6Slanted across the batter, on a fuller length, Ravindra Jadeja strides forward to defend, but the ball grazes the inside edge before clipping the front pad and rolls to short fine leg.
19.5Length ball, on middle and leg, Jadeja nudges it to mid-wicket off the back foot.
DRINKS BREAK. Take a bow, Simon Harmer. He has shown a masterclass in off spin bowling. While one might say what Pant did was totally needless, which is indeed true, credit goes to Simon Harmer for constantly building up the pressure and controlling his lines and lengths. He has massively halted the scoring as now, it has been almost 4 overs since India scored a run. And now, with Pant also headed into the sheds, India will feel the heat for sure as they still require 86 runs to win. Ravindra Jadeja walks in at number 6.
19.4OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! This was coming. Rishabh Pant was all at sea in the battle against Simon Harmer and it is the Proteas off-spinner who has come up trumps. After firing in the previous ball, this is a bit slower and offers flight, full and on middle. Pant looks to firm the drive down the ground but ends up spooning it back towards Harmer, who makes no mistake. Simon roars in delight and this is a massive scalp for South Africa. With Shubman Gill ruled out, India are effectively 38/5, needing 86 more runs.
19.3Nearly trapped in front! Speared in with the arm at 95 kph, on middle. Rishabh does not pick it from the hand and reads it off the surface. Hurriedly drops his bat down on the ball to eke out an inside edge.
19.2Slanting into the pads, on a length, Rishabh is beaten on the flick and wears it on the front pad. Going down leg.
19.1Drifting in, a bit too full, on middle, Pant squeezes it out to mid-wicket.
18.6Keeps the stumps in play, full in length, Washington Sundar eases it with a straight bat to mid on.
18.5Pitched up, on middle and leg, Sundar clips it to mid-wicket.
A slight halt as Washington Sundar is not happy with the movement around the sightscreen. Registers that issue with the umpire and that is sorted out now.
18.4Angled in, on top of off, Sundar gets on his toes and taps it to cover.
18.3Lands it on a hard length and gets the ball to climb onto the batter, outside off. Washington Sundar withdraws his bat to make the leave.
18.2At 130.5 kph, on a back of a length, at the hips, Sundar hops and nudges it to mid-wicket.
18.1On the off stump, on a length, Washington Sundar covers the line and dabs it down beside the strip on the off side.
17.6Sliding onto the pads, Pant keeps his bat behind the front pad and awkwardly pads it away.
17.5Fired in, fuller and on middle. Pant blocks it off.
17.4Around off, full in length, Rishabh keeps it out on the off side.
17.3Vicious turn and bounce! This is slowed down and draws the batter on the front foot. Rishabh presses forward to block but the ball spins away sharply to beat him on the outside edge.
17.2Nearly sneaked through! Pushed through with the arm at 92 kph, short and on middle. Rishabh Pant hurriedly gets his bat down and chops it down on the off side.
17.1Oh, that kicked up! Hangs it up there, on a length, on off, Rishabh Pant gets on the front foot to block but the ball lands and turns away with bounce to catch the batter on the left shoulder. It lobs in front of slip.
16.6Goes slightly wide on the crease and this is fuller in length, outside off. Washington shoulders arms.
16.5On a length, outside off, Sundar lets it be.
16.4Full and on middle, Sundar firms the drive back to Jansen.
16.3Lands it on a good length, on off, Washington Sundar taps it back on the deck.
16.2In the air...but safe! Jansen bends his back and bangs it in short. Not wide enough for Pant to free his arms and flay it. He goes through with the shot and it is skied towards deep backward point. Corbin Bosch in the deep runs to his left and fails to get there in time. Bosch collects it on the bounce. A single taken. The commentators on air discuss that Bosch could have gone for the catch as the ball was in the air for a long, long time. Instead, he ran sideways to cut it off. Maybe he didn't quite judge the trajectory properly.
16.1In and around the off stump, on a short of a length, Sundar pushes it wide of cover off the back foot for a single.
Marco Jansen is brought into the attack. Probably to accommodate Harmer from the Pavilion End.
15.6Loopy ball, outside off, knocked to long on for a single.
15.5Shorter and on off, Pant stays back and dabs it wide of cover for a single to get off the mark.
15.4Taken at backward short leg and South Africa are celebrating! The finger stays down and after a discussion, Temba Bavuma takes the review. Tossed up by Maharaj from over the wicket, full and landing outside the line of the off stump. Rishabh Pant reaches out in front with his hands and gets low for the reverse. The ball drops on him and bounces over the bat. It lobs off the forearm and Tony de Zorzi takes it with ease. The UltraEdge confirms that there is no bat or glove involved. It has indeed come off the forearm. LBW is also checked but the Ball Tracking shows that the impact is outside the line. South Africa have now lost 2 out of their 3 reviews.
15.3Full and on off, whipped to wide long on for a single.
15.2Tossed up, on off, Sundar blocks it out.
15.1BEATEN! This goes straight with the arm, on a good length, sliding across the batter with some bounce. Washington Sundar is caught off guard and gets beaten on the outside edge whilst looking for a block.
Rishabh Pant is in next.
14.6OUT! CAUGHT! An innocuous delivery but it still fetches Simon Harmer a wicket. South Africa will take it both hands. Dhruv Jurel stands there in disbelief. A real drag down from Harmer, on middle. Jurel's eyes light up and he swivels in the crease for the pull. The ball comes on a lot slower than he expected. He is done with the bat swing when the ball catches the toe-end of the blade. It goes straight down the throat of deep mid-wicket, where Corbin Bosch takes a reverse cup catch around his chest. Jurel falls for 13 (34). India are effectively 33/4, needing 91 more runs to win.
14.5Shorter and around leg, Washington nudges it in front of deep backward square leg. Dhruv Jurel is keen for the second but Tristan Stubbs is quick to get rid of the ball. Just a single off it then.
14.4Darted in at 91.6 kph, full and on the off stump, Sundar solidly gets behind it.
14.3Attacking the stumps, Sundar works this full ball back to Simon.
14.2Pushed through, full and on leg, Sundar flicks it to mid-wicket. A lot of chatter from the men around the bat.
14.1Full and at the stumps, Washington plays it back to Harmer.
13.6Full and on middle, pushed back to Maharaj.
13.5Fractionally short, outside off, the ball stays a bit low but Jurel bends to cut it to backward point.
13.4Lands it full, on off, Jurel strides forward to keep it out.
13.3Flatter and shorter, on top of off, Dhruv stays back to dab it down past silly point.
13.2More air on this one and slower as well, full and on off, Dhruv lunges for the block.
13.1Full and on the off stump, Dhruv Jurel defends a bit outside the line and squeezes out an inside edge onto the front pad.
Change of ends for Keshav Maharaj (3-0-8-0). He replaces Corbin Bosch.
12.6Shorter and turning away, Washington Sundar is taken aback as the ball rears up a bit off the surface but keeps his bat away from the line of the ball to let it pass.
12.5Very full, on off, Sundar knocks it wide of cover, where Temba Bavuma dives to his left and cuts it off.
12.4Around the off pole, on a length, Sundar taps it on the bounce to silly point.
12.3Loops it up, full and at the sticks, Washington Sundar gets on the front foot and dead bats it.
12.2Quicker but the length stays full, on middle. Washington blocks it out solidly.
12.1Tossed up, on middle, Washington smothers the spin by getting forward.
11.6On middle, Jurel pushes it back to the bowler.
11.5! This lands around middle and leg, and turns away to leave the right-hander, on a length. Dhruv Jurel gets low and pushes out in front. Gets an outside edge that drops well wide of Aiden Markram at first slip to his right.
11.4Offers flight and pulls the length back a bit. Dhruv Jurel reaches out in front to keep it out.
11.3Drifting in at the off stump, Dhruv blocks out this full ball.
11.2Shorter and slower at 61.1 kph, on middle, Washington nurdles it behind square on the leg side for a run.
11.1Full and around off, Sundar defends it out.
10.6On middle and leg, on a short of a length, Sundar turns it through square leg for a single.
10.5Bosch switches to around the wicket and attacks the stumps, on a length, Washington covers the line and taps it down.
10.4FOUR! Too straight and Sundar gets it away! Bosch bashes the hard length but the line is down leg. Washington hops inside the line and takes the bottom hand off the handle. Helps it down off the gloves and it races towards deep fine leg for a boundary.
10.3Angling away, on a good length, Sundar shoulders arms.
10.2Fuller in length and closer to the off stump, inviting the drive. Washington is happy to let it go.
10.1Pushed across the left-hander, a bit too wide and it is an easy leave for Sundar.
9.6Nice and full, on middle, Dhruv Jurel brings his bat out in front to keep it out.
9.5Well bowled! Maharaj lands it full and draws the batter on the front foot. Dhruv Jurel is not quite to the pitch of the ball and the ball drops on him before ripping past the outside edge.
9.4Floated up, on middle and leg, Dhruv dabs it down on the leg side.
9.3Attacking the front pad, on a nagging length, Dhruv presents a straight bat and ekes out an inside edge that goes towards short leg.
9.2Fuller and on off, Sundar pushes it down to long on for a single.
9.1Sliding across the stumps, full in length, Washington Sundar is beaten on the outside edge in defence.
8.6FOUR! Nicely done! Full and at the stumps, Dhruv Jurel brings his bat out in front and wrists it away to the left of deep backward square leg for a boundary. The target is under 100 now for India. They need 99 more.
8.5Given caught behind but successfully overturned by Dhruv Jurel! Pitched up by Bosch, around the off stump, Jurel leans into the drive but is beaten past the outside edge and it is taken safely by the keeper, Kyle Verreynne. The finger goes up, but Dhruv Jurel has reviewed it straight away. There was a noise but Dhruv reckons that he has not nicked it. The UltraEdge comes up as a flat line and the sound seems to have been of the bat clipping the back pad.
8.4On top of off, on a back of a length. Jurel stands tall and taps it down on the off side.
8.3FOUR! Easy pickings! On a hard length but too straight, down leg. Dhruv Jurel walks inside the line and tickles it down to deep fine leg for a boundary.
8.2On the off stump, on a good length, Sundar taps it to the right of cover and gets to the other end.
8.1This kicks up a bit as it leaves the left-hander from over the wicket, on a back of a length. Washington Sundar withdraws his bat and gloves to make the leave.
Corbin Bosch will share the attack from the other end. Shaun Pollock on air informs that Marco Jansen is currently off the field.
7.6A loud shout for LBW but turned down! This looks straight and Keshav Maharaj is pretty convinced. Temba Bavuma takes the review. Darted in with the angle from around the wicket, full and on middle. Dhruv Jurel gets on the front foot and presses forward to defend. Plays down the wrong line as the ball slides on with the arm to sneak past the inside edge. Daylight between the bat and the pad. Well, it looked straight in real-time, but the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is missing the leg stump by a fair bit. South Africa lose a review.
7.5Drops it and this is quicker, on middle. Dhruv hangs back to defend.
7.4Full and on leg, Sundar clips it to deep mid-wicket and crosses over.
7.3This time at the stumps, full and turning in, Sundar leans ahead to smother the spin and does so with soft hands. Gets an inside edge that goes through the vacant leg slip region for another couple.
7.2Stays around the wicket for the left-hander and hangs it up outside the off stump. Washington Sundar lunges to block but the ball dribbles off the outside edge past first slip. Aiden Markram gives it a chase and mops it up. Two runs taken.
7.1Starts a bit too short from around the wicket, around off. Jurel gets on top of it and punches it to deep point for a single.
Welcome back for the post-Lunch session. After 40 minutes of a tense break in both camps, the players make their way out to the middle. The Proteas take their fielding positions. Washington Sundar and Dhruv Jurel walk to the crease to resume their batting. And it will be Keshav Maharaj to kick off the afternoon phase. A slip and a short leg in place. Jurel to face. India need 114 runs and South Africa need 7 wickets to win. Here we go...
... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...
South Africa set India 124 to win but made sure it wouldn't be a cakewalk. With the ball darting around and jumping like it had springs underneath, and the odd one staying low, Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer bowled absolute fire upfront. India were essentially 0 for 1 before a ball was bowled with Gill ruled out, so it was all about negotiating the new ball safely. They couldn't. Jaiswal nicked off behind, and KL Rahul was done in by that vicious bounce shortly after, which helped South Africa at least boss up the session. Coming into the afternoon phase, India will aim for a stable partnership between Sundar and Jurel, and try not to be extravagant on a pitch that demands application. The Proteas will aim to snag a couple more quickly and that 124 will then look like a bridge too far for the Indians. A riveting session awaits. Play resumes at 12.10 pm IST (6.40 am GMT). Join us then.
India will be kicking themselves for not cutting off those easy singles early on. Both batters scrapped hard, adding 55 runs in the first hour before Bosch fell to a judgmental error against Bumrah. After that, it was all about damage limitation for South Africa and adding as many runs as they can. Siraj, brought on in the 52nd over, was sharp and clinical, cleaning up the tail quickly to bowl the Proteas out for 153. Two wickets for him, and the job was done.
South Africa closed Day 2 on 93 for 7 with a 63-run lead, sitting on a knife-edge. Day 3 demanded grit and patience from Bavuma, who had already shown his class while wickets crumbled around him the previous evening. He was rock solid in defence, picking off the odd boundary here and there, but the real key was how he and Corbin Bosch rotated the strike. They didn't let India settle. Bosch dug in alongside his skipper, who notched up a gritty half century, and the pair put together a vital 44-run stand.
26 overs bowled, 70 runs scored, and 5 wickets fell in this morning session of the third and decisive day. Despite all the chaos caused by the ball, we still don't know which way this will end. But you have to give it to this South African side. They know how to scrap and fight when their backs are against the wall. Marco Jansen and Harmer ensured that the Indians don't get comfortable and settle in and have already snagged a couple of huge wickets to peg the hosts a bit on the back foot.
6.6Banged in short by Jansen, not close enough to trouble the batter. Washington Sundar ducks under it. That will be LUNCH on Day 3!
6.5Jansen goes wide on the crease to create the angle. Around off, on a short of a length. Sundar shoulders arms.
6.4On a back of a length, on top of off, Washington Sundar pats it back on the deck with a straight bat.
6.3Zeroing in on the off pole, on a good length. Washington Sundar stabs it down on the off side.
6.2At the sticks, on a length, Washington taps it to mid on with a straight bat.
6.1A half-volley, sliding onto the pads, Sundar flicks it towards mid-wicket, where Tristan Stubbs gets his body behind the ball to make the stop.
5.6At 88.8 kph, bowled from a bit wide on the crease on the around-the-wicket angle. Full and on off, Dhruv is solid in defence.
5.5Tossed up, around off, Jurel keeps it out with the bat close to the front pad.
5.4Back to bowling it full, on off, Dhruv reaches out in front to block.
5.3Shorter and another one that goes across the batter, Jurel rocks back to keep it out.
5.2Loops it up, full and outside off. Dhruv Jurel watchfully blocks it out.
5.1Drifting away, full and around off, Dhruv leans ahead to defend.
4.6Pitched up by Jansen, on off, Sundar drives it without much timing to cover.
4.5Another well-directed bumper at the bodyline of the batter, Washington Sundar ducks quickly. Kyle Verreynne leaps again to collect.
4.4Jansen bangs it in short, over middle. Washington Sundar ducks under it. Kyle Verreynne leaps to his right and grabs it over his head.
4.3Angled into the pads, on a good length, Sundar nudges it to mid-wicket.
4.2On a back of a length, around the off pole, Washington leaves the ball alone.
4.1FOUR! Off the edge! Jansen lands it on a length, on middle. Washington Sundar presents a straight bat out in front of the pads to play the line. The ball catches the outside edge and goes on the bounce to gully. Beats the diving Wiaan Mulder to his right for a boundary.
3.6Sliding across the right-hander, full in length, Dhruv Jurel blocks it out.
3.5Hangs it up there, full and on off, Washington Sundar checks his drive and chips it uppishly but well wide of cover to his left. They cross.
3.4Full and on off, Washington eases it wide of cover, where Temba Bavuma is quick to get across and dives to prevent the single.
3.3Lovely stuff! Loopy ball, on middle and leg, dropping in front of the batter. Sundar does not quite get fully forward to defend. The ball dips on him and turns away with bounce to go past the outside edge.
3.2Sliding on with the arm, shorter and quicker, on leg, Washington stabs it down on the leg side.
3.1Drifting in at the sticks, full in length, Washington Sundar leans ahead to defend it out.
2.6Play and a miss! Fractionally short but too wide on off. Dhruv tries to cash in on the width and reaches out but misses.
2.5Jansen goes wide on the crease and keeps it full, outside off. Tries to tempt the batter into the drive but Jurel resists and offers no shot.
2.4Fuller in length, in the channel on off, Dhruv leaves the ball alone.
2.3FOUR! Jurel is up and running! Jansen sprays it on the hips, Dhruv waits back and just uses the angle to help it down to deep fine leg for a boundary.
2.2On a back of a length, outside off, Dhruv shoulders arms.
Dhruv Jurel is in at 4.
2.1OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Marco Jansen delivers a double blow and a hush falls over the crowd. Jansen steams in from around the wicket and hits the deck hard on a hard length. Rahul looks to ride the bounce to fend it down but the ball keeps coming into him and gets big on him. He is unable to get his bat out of the way and the ball takes the outside edge. It flies behind the wicket, where the keeper, Kyle Verreynne, leaps to snaffle the catch to his right. This is just the start South Africa were after. India are effectively 1/3 with Shubman Gill ruled out of the Test.
1.6Full and outside off, Sundar covers the off stump and makes the leave.
1.5India and Rahul are underway! Tossed up, on middle, KL uses his feet and drives it to long on for a single.
1.4Beaten! This goes on with the arm, fuller in length, Rahul lunges and brings his bat out in front for the block. Gets beaten as the ball slides across the bat.
1.3Sliding across, shorter and around off, KL presses back and negotiates the extra bounce to fend it down on the deck.
1.2This is pushed through at 93.3 kph and it keeps straight, on a length, on middle. KL gets behind the line and pushes it to mid-wicket.
1.1Starts from around the wicket, fractionally short, on middle. Rahul is deep in the crease and just about turns it away off the front pad to backward square leg.
Spin introduced. Not surprising at all. Here's Simon Harmer from the other end.
0.6Fuller in length and this moves away a bit in the air, Washington Sundar lets it be.
0.5Pitched up, on middle and leg, Sundar knocks it firmly to mid on.
Washington Sundar is in at number 3.
0.4OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Marco Jansen gets his radar right and strikes! Yashasvi Jaiswal falls for a four-ball duck. Angling into the corridor of off, on a back of a length. Jaiswal could have left this one on length but the angle makes him play at it. Hangs his bat out and the ball nips away enough to graze the outside edge. The keeper, Kyle Verreynne does the rest. South Africa land the first blow. Yashasvi Jaiswal walks back in disappointment and India are 0/1, needing 124 runs.
0.3Sprayed down leg, on a back of a length, Jaiswal misses out on the tickle. Tristan Stubbs at mid-wicket seemed to have heard something and went up but the ball missed the bat by a long way.
0.2Another swing and a miss! This is not as wide as the previous ball but still wide enough. On a hard length, Jaiswal throws his hands at the ball but the ball sails over his blade.
0.1A flash and a miss straight away! Jansen starts with a loosener, on a back of a length, wide on off. Yashasvi Jaiswal flays at it but fails to connect.
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Nifty 50 | 25967.35 | -46.10 | -0.18 |
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Nifty Bank | 58996.15 | 33.45 | 0.06 |
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| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 3732 | 124 |
| 2 | England | 4469 | 112 |
| 3 | South Africa | 3107 | 111 |
| 4 | India | 3881 | 108 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 2409 | 96 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 2364 | 88 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 2050 | 82 |
| 8 | West Indies | 2036 | 70 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 1648 | 61 |
| 10 | Ireland | 152 | 30 |
| 11 | Zimbabwe | 208 | 12 |
| 12 | Afghanistan | 62 | 10 |
| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 4745 | 122 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 4700 | 112 |
| 3 | Australia | 4134 | 109 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 4294 | 105 |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 4392 | 100 |
| 6 | South Africa | 3708 | 98 |
| 7 | Afghanistan | 2657 | 95 |
| 8 | England | 3432 | 86 |
| 9 | West Indies | 3049 | 78 |
| 10 | Bangladesh | 2882 | 76 |
| 11 | Zimbabwe | 1291 | 54 |
| 12 | Ireland | 938 | 52 |
| 13 | Scotland | 1522 | 46 |
| 14 | USA | 1668 | 44 |
| 15 | Netherlands | 1425 | 40 |
| 16 | Oman | 886 | 35 |
| 17 | Nepal | 959 | 27 |
| 18 | Namibia | 707 | 21 |
| 19 | Canada | 357 | 16 |
| 20 | United Arab Emirates | 396 | 11 |
| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 18251 | 272 |
| 2 | Australia | 11199 | 267 |
| 3 | England | 11609 | 258 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 13318 | 251 |
| 5 | South Africa | 11751 | 240 |
| 6 | West Indies | 14424 | 236 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 15915 | 234 |
| 8 | Sri Lanka | 9899 | 230 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 14269 | 223 |
| 10 | Afghanistan | 9895 | 220 |
| 11 | Ireland | 6821 | 201 |
| 12 | Zimbabwe | 12364 | 199 |
| 13 | Netherlands | 6366 | 182 |
| 14 | Scotland | 4178 | 182 |
| 15 | Namibia | 6344 | 181 |
| 16 | United Arab Emirates | 10584 | 176 |
| 17 | Nepal | 7384 | 176 |
| 18 | USA | 5769 | 175 |
| 19 | Canada | 5374 | 154 |
| 20 | Oman | 7140 | 152 |
| 21 | Uganda | 7952 | 142 |
| 22 | Papua New Guinea | 2718 | 136 |
| 23 | Kuwait | 5441 | 130 |
| 24 | Hong Kong | 6602 | 127 |
| 25 | Malaysia | 6508 | 123 |
| 26 | Bahrain | 7414 | 120 |
| 27 | Jersey | 2819 | 117 |
| 28 | Italy | 1725 | 115 |
| 29 | Qatar | 4666 | 114 |
| 30 | Bermuda | 3040 | 113 |
| 31 | Spain | 1872 | 110 |
| 32 | Saudi Arabia | 4245 | 109 |
| 33 | Kenya | 5074 | 106 |
| 34 | Tanzania | 4082 | 100 |
| 35 | Germany | 1924 | 87 |
| 36 | Nigeria | 3377 | 79 |
| 37 | Singapore | 2844 | 77 |
| 38 | Guernsey | 2071 | 77 |
| 39 | Cayman Islands | 1921 | 74 |
| 40 | Austria | 4054 | 71 |
| 41 | Denmark | 1262 | 70 |
| 42 | Norway | 2095 | 70 |
| 43 | Portugal | 1333 | 67 |
| 44 | Japan | 2518 | 66 |
| 45 | Belgium | 2059 | 57 |
| 46 | Cambodia | 1365 | 57 |
| 47 | Switzerland | 1086 | 49 |
| 48 | Finland | 1130 | 49 |
| 49 | Argentina | 627 | 48 |
| 50 | Sweden | 1048 | 48 |
| 51 | Malawi | 2019 | 47 |
| 52 | Botswana | 1547 | 47 |
| 53 | Isle of Man | 604 | 46 |
| 54 | France | 1109 | 46 |
| 55 | Thailand | 1654 | 46 |
| 56 | Romania | 1544 | 45 |
| 57 | Bahamas | 972 | 42 |
| 58 | Czechia | 911 | 41 |
| 59 | Cook Islands | 552 | 39 |
| 60 | Philippines | 827 | 38 |
| 61 | Rwanda | 2343 | 37 |
| 62 | Fiji | 387 | 35 |
| 63 | Vanuatu | 561 | 35 |
| 64 | Cyprus | 789 | 33 |
| 65 | Indonesia | 2084 | 32 |
| 66 | Ghana | 570 | 30 |
| 67 | Sierra Leone | 504 | 30 |
| 68 | Hungary | 971 | 29 |
| 69 | Samoa | 672 | 29 |
| 70 | Estonia | 665 | 28 |
| 71 | Malta | 1085 | 26 |
| 72 | Mozambique | 518 | 26 |
| 73 | Swaziland | 491 | 26 |
| 74 | Israel | 178 | 25 |
| 75 | Panama | 318 | 21 |
| 76 | Belize | 164 | 21 |
| 77 | Gibraltar | 494 | 19 |
| 78 | Luxembourg | 432 | 18 |
| 79 | Costa Rica | 218 | 17 |
| 80 | Bhutan | 336 | 16 |
| 81 | Mexico | 287 | 16 |
| 82 | Suriname | 119 | 15 |
| 83 | Serbia | 315 | 11 |
| 84 | Maldives | 214 | 10 |
| 85 | Brazil | 94 | 9 |
| 86 | Cameroon | 86 | 8 |
| 87 | Bulgaria | 191 | 7 |
| 88 | Myanmar | 144 | 6 |
| 89 | Korea | 94 | 6 |
| 90 | St.Helena | 44 | 6 |
| 91 | China | 29 | 5 |
| 92 | Lesotho | 24 | 2 |
| 93 | Turkiye | 26 | 2 |
| 94 | Gambia | 6 | 1 |
| 95 | Slovenia | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Seychelles | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Mali | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Greece | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Croatia | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Mongolia | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Timor-Leste | 0 | 0 |
