(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Bumrah Shines With Five-Wicket Haul as India Dominate Day 1 Against South Africa
India gained a strong advantage in the first Test at Eden Gardens after pace star Jasprit Bumrah dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup with an outstanding five-wicket haul on Friday.
South Africa, who were comfortably placed at 57 without loss earlier in the day, crashed to 159 all out, largely due to Bumrah’s brilliant spell of 5-27. Despite India opting for a spin-heavy attack for the series opener, it was their premier fast bowler who took center stage.
India Steady After Early Setback
In reply, India reached 37-1 at stumps, with KL Rahul (13) and Washington Sundar (6) at the crease, and a deep batting order still to follow. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the only wicket to fall, chopping a Marco Jansen delivery onto his stumps.
Strong Start Turns Into Sudden Collapse for South Africa
South Africa looked solid early on after winning the toss and electing to bat. Aiden Markram (31) and Ryan Rickelton (23) put up a fifty-run opening stand, playing cautiously at first before shifting gears. Markram struck boundaries off Axar Patel and looked set for a big innings.
But the momentum shifted quickly:
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Bumrah bowled Rickelton to break the opening stand
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Markram fell next, caught brilliantly by Rishabh Pant on his comeback
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Bavuma departed cheaply after deflecting a Kuldeep Yadav delivery to leg slip
Middle Order Falls Apart
India tightened their grip in the second session:
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Kuldeep dismissed Wiaan Mulder (24)
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Tony de Zorzi (24) fell LBW, wasting a review
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Siraj struck twice in four balls, removing Verreynne and Jansen
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Bumrah returned after tea to take two more wickets, completing South Africa’s collapse
Bumrah later said it was satisfying to contribute to the team’s strong position.
South Africa Eye Early Wickets on Day 2
With India already in control, South Africa face a tough challenge—especially without injured pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada. Batting coach Aswell Prince said they would aim to take early wickets to prevent India from gaining a big first-innings lead, noting the pitch offered inconsistent bounce.
India, however, will be confident heading into day two with momentum firmly on their side.
