South Africa defeated Team India by 30 runs in the first Test on Sunday (November 16) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South Africa finally won a Test on Indian soil after a 15-year drought. The visitors also seized a 1-0 advantage in the two-game series.
The Proteas began their second innings with an overnight score of 93/7, batting with Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch. They frustrated the Indian bowlers with a 44-run partnership, helping South Africa extend their lead over 100.
Temba Bavuma (55*) led them from the start, reaching a responsible half-century, the only player to do so in the game. His magnificent effort propelled South Africa to 153 and set a 124-run goal. Ravindra Jadeja took four wickets in India’s third innings, while Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav each took two.
South African off-spinner Simon Harmer (4/21) bowled brilliantly in the last innings, allowing South Africa to dismiss the opponents for 93 runs and win the match. Washington Sundar led the hosts’ scoring with a fighting knock of 31 (92) on a gloomy day.
Fans were dissatisfied after witnessing the hosts’ poor performance and responded by sharing memes on X. Here are some of the better examples:
“Rohit and Kohli asked Gautam Gambhir to coach in domestic matches to continue as Head Coach of the Indian team,” an X post read.
BIG BREAKING 🚨
Rohit and Kohli asked Gautam Gambhir to coach in domestic matches to continue as Head Coach of the Indian team. pic.twitter.com/f6X95qGTdQ
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) November 16, 2025“Dil chhota mat kar, WTC champion se haara hai tu” pic.twitter.com/1s5gnL2YxZ
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) November 16, 2025what if we've made a deal with South Africa for the 27 WC final by losing this series pic.twitter.com/iIgT3dZrn6
— soo washed (@anubhav__tweets) November 16, 2025Half century for Temba Bavuma 🫡#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/zwv5SHUfPG
— 🅰️ J (@EHuman0) November 16, 2025Bavuma meeting Bumrah after the match#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/dDQvCCoDFx
— Rajabets 🇮🇳👑 (@rajabetsindia) November 16, 2025Team India under Gautam Gambhir pic.twitter.com/MUCrsyjnlC
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 16, 2025Bumrah after calling Bavuma Bauna pic.twitter.com/t8qpXhgJfI
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 16, 20251 for 3 in 124 chase pic.twitter.com/so17k9AW6H
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) November 16, 2025Mazak mazak me aadmi kuch bhi bol jata aap to dil par le liye pic.twitter.com/zksaztJr7Q
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 16, 2025Losing a Test match at home is a problem but not having Rohit and Kohli to blame is a bigger problem 💀 pic.twitter.com/CD6vAmRJP7
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) November 16, 2025Temba Bavuma hails superb SA bowling after 1st Test win
At the post-match presentation, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma reminisced on the victory, saying:
“I think you want to be part of games like these and come out on the right side. The guys held on to their nerves and our bowling was just superb! And of course, that partnership I had with Corbin Bosch was important. I think the wicket played a bit better this morning, but it was a case of staying in the game.”
Temba Bavuma
He continued:
“You are only as good as your players. But from a batting point of view, I just kept things simple. I wanted to come here and do well, I don’t have the best of records, so, it was crucial that I contribute and change that. Awareness was key, and adapting to the conditions was the thing. You don’t want to leave them to someone else, you want to do it yourself!”
Temba Bavuma
The second Test will start on November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
