India trail South Africa by 122 runs

India trail South Africa by 122 runs as the match heats up. Get the latest score updates, key moments, and live cricket analysis right here.

🇿🇦 South Africa – 1st Innings (All Out for 159 in 55.0 Overs)

🇮🇳 India – 1st Innings (Stumps – Day 1)

umrah’s Masterclass Puts India in Control on Day 1; Proteas Skittled for 159

Kolkata, November 14, 2025 – A phenomenal display of fast-bowling precision from Jasprit Bumrah saw India seize firm control on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens. Despite losing the toss and fielding a surprisingly spin-heavy attack on a surface that appeared to be dry, India rode on their pace spearhead’s brilliance to skittle the current World Test Champions for a paltry 159. At the close of play, the hosts were 37/1, trailing by just 122 runs, a gap they will look to erase quickly on a pivotal Day 2.

🎯 The Bumrah Barrage: A Fifer on a Dry Track

South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, had no hesitation in opting to bat first, hoping to capitalise on the fresh pitch. The decision initially looked sound as openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton provided a flying start, stitching together a 57-run stand in just over 10 overs. Their aggressive intent put the Indian bowlers under early pressure, with Mohammed Siraj in particular leaking a few quick boundaries.

However, the tide dramatically turned with the introduction of Jasprit Bumrah. In a spell that showcased why he is considered one of the world’s most dangerous bowlers, Bumrah dismantled the opening pair in quick succession. He first breached the defence of Rickelton (23 off 22) with a sharp, moving delivery, before getting Markram (31 off 48) to edge a short-of-a-length ball to Rishabh Pant. The double blow immediately changed the complexion of the innings, transforming a promising start into a precarious 62/2.

📉 The Proteas’ Middle-Order Meltdown

The Indian spin quartet, featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, then took over the mid-day pressure. Kuldeep Yadav, brought into the attack early, struck a crucial blow just before lunch, removing the skipper Temba Bavuma for a meagre 3. The partnership between Tony de Zorzi (24 off 55) and Wiaan Mulder (24 off 51) provided the only real resistance, taking the total past 100 before the post-lunch session triggered a full-scale collapse.

From 114/3, South Africa crumbled, losing their final seven wickets for just 45 runs. Kuldeep got Mulder with a plumb LBW, and Bumrah returned to trap De Zorzi. The tail proved to be no match for the unrelenting accuracy of the Indian attack. Mohammed Siraj, finding his rhythm in the later stages, picked up two wickets in an over, and Axar Patel claimed one just before tea.

The final act belonged to Bumrah, who completed his 16th Test five-wicket haul by cleaning up Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj. His final figures of 5/27 off 14 overs were a masterclass in exploiting variable bounce and subtle seam movement, a truly historic feat as he became the first fast bowler since Dale Steyn in 2008 to take a fifer on the opening day of a traditional red-ball Test in India.

🇮🇳 India’s Measured Response

In response, India’s innings began cautiously, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul navigating a testing short spell from the South African pacers. The visitors’ best bowler, Marco Jansen, finally broke through, bowling Jaiswal for 12 with a ball that seamed in sharply.

However, the new number three, Washington Sundar, promoted in the shake-up that saw Rishabh Pant’s return, showed exceptional composure alongside the dependable KL Rahul. The duo soaked up the pressure, especially from the Proteas’ spinners, to add an unbroken 19-run partnership. Rahul, known for his defensive prowess in the longest format, remained steadfast, unbeaten on 13 off 59 balls, while Sundar played a vital anchoring role on 6 not out off 38.

The light began to fade quickly over the historic venue, forcing the umpires to call an early close to the day’s play. At 37/1, India’s position is undeniably dominant. They have the opportunity on Day 2 to bat South Africa out of the match by building a substantial first-innings lead. The discipline shown by Rahul and Sundar in the final session provides a solid foundation, but the key to capitalising on Bumrah’s heroics will rest squarely on the shoulders of the middle order, including captain Shubman Gill, Pant, and the remaining all-rounders. The fight for the Freedom Trophy is poised, but the momentum is squarely with the home side.

India trail South Africa by 122 runs