In a gripping display of skill and determination, South Africa triumphed over India by 30 runs in the opening Test match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The victory, achieved within three days, was powered by off-spinner Simon Harmer’s exceptional bowling performance, claiming 4-21 as India crumbled to 93 while chasing a modest target of 124. The match, played in front of a nearly 40,000-strong crowd, saw India’s batting lineup collapse dramatically. Earlier, Temba Bavuma’s gritty unbeaten 55 had given South Africa a fighting chance after they resumed Day Three at a precarious 93-7. Bavuma’s resilience on a challenging pitch, marked by inconsistent bounce and spin, provided the Proteas with a defendable total. India’s chase was further hampered by the absence of skipper Shubman Gill, who retired hurt in the first innings. Marco Jansen’s early breakthroughs, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, set the tone for India’s downfall. Harmer’s crucial wickets, including Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja, dismantled India’s middle order. Aiden Markram’s dismissal of Washington Sundar (31) and Axar Patel’s brief but spirited 26, including two sixes, were not enough to salvage the match for India. South Africa’s lion-hearted bowling effort sealed a memorable victory, setting the stage for an intense series.