Huge Embarrassment – Team India loses 1st Test against SA

Few days after the Indian Women’s Cricket team clinched the maiden World Cup title on home soil by outperforming South Africa in the epic final, the men’s team bagged a huge embarrassment by losing the first test today at Eden Gardens. In pursuit of a modest run chase, India fell short of 30 runs against South Africa on the third day to concede lead in the two test series. 

Chasing 124 runs for victory, Indian batting line up collapsed for 93 in just 35 overs. African spinner Simon Harmer picked up 4 key wickets and was well assisted by Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen who bagged two scalps each. Team India was handicapped without the services of captain Shubhmam Gill who was hospitalized due to neck spasms. He didn’t come to bat in the second innings. Washington Sundar was the top scorer with 31 runs. Though Axar Patel showed some grit, he couldn’t take the team home. 

In reply to South Africa’s 159 runs, India managed a slender lead with 189 runs in the first innings. Ravindra Jadeja’s four wicket haul helped the hosts restrict the tourists for 153 in the second innings. But, the batting unit failed to chase the total against the sublime bowling attack by South Africa. This is the second lowest target India failed to chase down in its test history after the infamous loss at Bridgetown in 1997 against West Indies. 

This is the first test victory for South Africa in India after 15 years. Also, this is the first time they had taken lead in a test series. Simon Harmer is named Man of Match for his 8 wickets in two innings. The second test is scheduled from November 22nd at Guwahati.