India suffer humiliating defeat in first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens

KOLKATA: India suffered a humiliating defeat in the first cricket Test against South Africa. Chasing a target of 124 runs, India lost by 30 runs after losing wickets in the post-lunch session on the third day. India's captain Shubman Gill retired hurt in the first innings due to a neck injury.

Chasing a small target of 124 runs, India suffered a major setback in the second session of the third day. India lost seven crucial wickets in a single session. Spinner Simon Harmer, who took four wickets, destroyed India’s batting line-up.

Apart from Harmer, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj took two wickets each for the Proteas, while Aiden Markram took one wicket. This is one of India’s most humiliating defeats in Eden Gardens.

Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and KL Rahul (1) were dismissed before lunch. Rishabh Pant (2), Ravindra Jadeja (18), Dhruv Jurel (13), Washington Sundar (31) and Kuldeep Yadav (1) got dismissed similarly. With this, India collapsed at 93 runs in 34 overs for the loss of nine wickets. Amidst facing defeat, Axar Patel (26), who was at the crease, gave the impression that he would single-handedly lead the team to a surprise win, but alas, the hopes faded soon.

The Proteas secured victory when Mohammed Siraj was dismissed for a duck off the first ball of Keshav Maharaj's delivery. Earlier, South Africa, having led by 30 runs in the first innings, were all out for 153 in their second innings. Captain Temba Bavuma's half-century (53) and a brilliant performance by Corbin Bosh (25) helped South Africa reach a decent total.