(Sports Correspondent :Imran Sohail)
Jadeja’s Four-Wicket Burst Puts India on Brink of Victory Against South Africa in Kolkata
November 15, 2025
India moved closer to a potential three-day victory after a dramatic 15-wicket day in the low-scoring first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens on Saturday. Ravindra Jadeja led the charge with a brilliant four-wicket spell that left the visitors struggling to stay afloat.
India appeared in control after dismissing South Africa for 159 on a pitch offering inconsistent bounce — a challenge for batters from both teams. However, India’s own reply of 189 fell short of expectations, giving them only a modest lead.
By stumps, South Africa were 93 for seven, holding a slim 63-run lead with only three wickets in hand. Captain Temba Bavuma battled hard to remain unbeaten on 29, with Corbin Bosch (1*) offering support.
India were effectively one batter short earlier in the day when skipper Shubman Gill retired hurt with a neck spasm after scoring four. Bowling coach Morne Morkel said it was too early to predict if Gill would bat in the second innings, adding that the stiffness appeared unrelated to workload.
South Africa clawed back into the match thanks to off-spinner Simon Harmer, who picked up 4-30 and disrupted India’s progress after they resumed on 37 for one. Washington Sundar (29) and Rishabh Pant (27) played attacking cameos but could not build substantial partnerships. KL Rahul (39) also contributed before falling to Maharaj.
Pant entertained the crowd with bold strokes, including a six off Maharaj, but Bosch ended his stay with a sharp bouncer that led to a catch behind the stumps. India eventually folded shortly before tea.
In South Africa’s second innings, Jadeja struck again with his left-arm spin, dismantling the top order after Kuldeep Yadav removed Ryan Rickelton for 11. The Proteas struggled to cope with the turn and variable bounce, sliding deeper into trouble.
Speaking after play, Harmer said the team’s immediate goal was to push the lead as far as possible. “If we can get to 150, that would be incredible,” he said, acknowledging the difficulty of batting on the surface.
India now sense a strong chance to finish the match quickly, with South Africa facing an uphill battle to set a competitive target.
