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India vs South Africa, 1st Test - Day 1: South Africa's Early Advantage, Bumrah Shines at Eden Gardens

Summary: South Africa finishes Day 1 with a strong performance at Eden Gardens, posting 159 all-out, but India’s response is steady. Bumrah's 5-wicket haul puts India on top despite trailing by 122 runs.

India vs South Africa 1st Test: Bumrah’s Brilliance Shines as South Africa Struggle at Eden Gardens

On November 14, 2025, the stage was set at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens for the much-anticipated 1st Test between India and South Africa. With South Africa winning the toss and opting to bat first, their opening batsmen struggled early, finding themselves under pressure from India's world-class bowling attack.

At stumps on Day 1, South Africa had been dismissed for 159 runs in just 55 overs. India, in reply, had reached 37/1 in 20 overs, trailing by 122 runs, with the likes of KL Rahul and Washington Sundar looking to steady the ship on Day 2.

Key Highlights from Day 1:

1. Jasprit Bumrah's Magical Spell (5/27): 

India's ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, was the standout performer of the day, claiming 5 wickets for 27 runs in 14 overs. His brilliant pace and precision dismantled the South African top and middle order, leaving the visitors reeling at various stages. This was a stellar performance from Bumrah, reinforcing his status as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers.

2. Kuldeep Yadav and Siraj Support Well:

Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel and pacer Mohammed Siraj were instrumental in keeping the pressure on the South African batsmen. Yadav picked up 2 wickets for 36 runs, while Siraj bagged 2 wickets for 47 runs, including the crucial dismissals of Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen.

3. South African Batting Collapse:

After a strong start by Aiden Markram (31) and Dewald Rickelton (23), the South African batting line-up faltered. Temba Bavuma (3) and Tony de Zorzi (24) couldn't withstand the pressure and fell to Bumrah's searing pace. Lower-order resistance came from Jordan Stubbs (15), but it was not enough to prevent the collapse.

4. India’s Solid but Slow Start:

In reply, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal for just 12, bowled out by Marco Jansen. However, KL Rahul (13*) and Washington Sundar (6*) held firm, ensuring that India did not lose further wickets before the close of play. The team will be looking for a more aggressive approach on Day 2, as they chase down a modest total.

Detailed Scorecard:

South Africa 1st Innings (159 all-out in 55 overs):

• Aiden Markram – c Pant b Bumrah: 31 (48 balls, 5 fours, 1 six)

• Dewald Rickelton – b Bumrah: 23 (22 balls, 4 fours)

• Wiaan Mulder – lbw b Kuldeep Yadav: 24 (51 balls, 3 fours)

• Temba Bavuma (c) – c Dhruv Jurel b Kuldeep Yadav: 3 (11 balls)

• Tony de Zorzi – lbw b Bumrah: 24 (55 balls, 1 four, 1 six)

• Jordan Stubbs – not out: 15 (74 balls, 1 four)

• Kyle Verreynne (wk) – lbw b Siraj: 16 (36 balls, 2 fours)

• Marco Jansen – b Siraj: 0 (3 balls)

• Corbin Bosch – lbw b Axar Patel: 3 (23 balls)

• Simon Harmer – b Bumrah: 5 (5 balls, 1 four)

• Keshav Maharaj – lbw b Bumrah: 0 (3 balls)

• Extras – 15 (b 8, lb 4, w 2, nb 1, p 0)

• Total – 159 all-out (55 overs)

• Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-49, 3-76, 4-79, 5-104, 6-125, 7-131, 8-155, 9-158, 10-159

India 1st Innings (37-1 at Stumps, 20 overs):

• Yashasvi Jaiswal – b Marco Jansen: 12 (27 balls, 3 fours)

• KL Rahul – batting: 13 (59 balls, 2 fours)

• Washington Sundar – batting: 6 (38 balls)

• Extras – 6 (b 0, lb 2, w 0, nb 4, p 0)

• Total – 37-1 (20 overs)

Yet to Bat: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Key Performers of the Day:

• Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 5/27 in 14 overs: Bumrah’s superb spell was the highlight of Day 1. His relentless pace and accuracy ripped through South Africa’s batting line-up.

• Mohammed Siraj (India) – 2/47 in 12 overs: Siraj’s control and bounce added pressure to the South African batsmen.

• Kuldeep Yadav (India) – 2/36 in 14 overs: Kuldeep’s left-arm spin was key in breaking South African partnerships.

• KL Rahul (India) – 13 not out (59 balls): Rahul played a patient knock, anchoring India’s chase for the day.

• Washington Sundar (India) – 6 not out (38 balls): Sundar showed solid defense, leaving India in a strong position going into Day 2.

India's Road Ahead:

With KL Rahul and Washington Sundar at the crease, India’s chase on Day 2 will rely on building a solid partnership. The likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja will play pivotal roles, especially with the pitch expected to offer variable bounce and turn for spinners.

As the match progresses, India's bowlers will need to remain disciplined and capitalize on the early breakthroughs to limit South Africa’s scoring potential. The battle between bat and ball promises an exciting continuation as India looks to stage a comeback after a dominant bowling display by Bumrah.