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Historic South Africa Triumph as India Stumbles at Eden Gardens

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Kolkata
  • Nov 16, 2025
  • 603

In a stunning turn of events, India suffered a shocking defeat against South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, marking their first loss at the iconic venue in 13 years. Chasing a modest target of 124, the Indian team was bowled out for just 93, handing South Africa a memorable victory.

Record-Breaking Moments:

Lowest Target Defended at Eden Gardens: South Africa successfully defended 124, the lowest total ever defended at the Kolkata ground. This is also the second-smallest target defended in India, following Australia's 107-run defense at Wankhede in 2004.

India’s Unprecedented Failure: This was the first time India failed to chase a target under 125 runs at home, with the only other instance in Test history being against West Indies in Bridgetown in 1997.

South Africa Captain’s Perfect Record: Temba Bavuma continued his remarkable streak, remaining unbeaten as Test captain. Under his leadership, South Africa has now won 10 of 11 Tests, with one draw.


Individual Highlights:

Mohammed Siraj Close to Top Wicket-Taker: Siraj claimed 4 wickets in the Kolkata Test, taking his tally for the year to 41. He is just one wicket shy of topping the 2025 charts.

Rishabh Pant Sets New Record: Pant smashed his way into the record books as India’s highest six-hitter in Tests, hitting 92 sixes in 48 matches and surpassing Virender Sehwag’s 90 sixes in 103 matches.

Ravindra Jadeja Joins Elite Club: Jadeja became the second Indian—and fourth overall—to achieve 4,000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests, joining legends like Kapil Dev and Ian Botham.

Jasprit Bumrah’s 16th Five-Wicket Haul: Bumrah delivered a brilliant performance, claiming his 16th five-wicket haul in just 51 Tests, including his fourth against South Africa.


Other Notable Records:

Four of the top five run-scorers in the World Test Championship 2025-27 are from India, led by captain Shubman Gill with 950 runs in eight matches.

For only the third time in India, both teams’ first innings ended without a fifty, a rare feat previously seen in Delhi in 1987.


The defeat raises questions about India’s approach in low-scoring chases, while South Africa’s young side, under Bavuma, continues to make history on foreign soil.