1st Test: Gambhir defends Kolkata pitch, Bavuma savours special knock

November 16, 2025 5:19 PM

1st Test: Gambhir defends Kolkata pitch, Bavuma savours special knock

India coach Gautam Gambhir said there was no "demons in the pitch" despite his team's spectacular meltdown in the low-scoring opening test against South Africa on Sunday. Chasing 124 for victory, India folded for 93 on a minefield of a pitch where South Africa captain Temba Bavuma scored the only half-century of the match that finished inside three days. On an Eden Gardens surface where sharp spin and inconsistent bounce meant even the set batters could not convert their starts into big knocks...

1st Test: Harmer spins South Africa to thrilling win against India

November 16, 2025 2:47 PM

1st Test: Harmer spins South Africa to thrilling win against India

Off-spinner Simon Harmer led South Africa's lion-hearted bowling effort as the Proteas registered a thrilling 30-run victory against India inside three days of the low-scoring opening test on Sunday. Harmer claimed 4-21 as India, chasing 124 for victory, folded for 93 in a remarkable batting meltdown in front of the nearly 40,000-strong crowd at Eden Gardens. Earlier, Temba Bavuma dragged South Africa back into the contest with an innings of tremendous grit. Having conceded a first-innings le...

Kolkata Test: Harmer’s four-wicket haul restricts India to 189, hosts lead by 30

November 15, 2025 1:41 PM

Kolkata Test: Harmer’s four-wicket haul restricts India to 189, hosts lead by 30

India posted 189 in reply to South Africa’s first innings total of 159 on day two of the opening test at Eden Gardens on Saturday. Opener KL Rahul topscored for the hosts with a patient 39, while home captain Shubman Gill retired hurt with neck spasm after making four. Spinner Simon Harmer was pick of the South Africa bowlers claiming 4-30. (REUTERS)...