India vs South Africa 1st Test at Eden Gardens has taken an intense turn as India chase 124 on a surface that has steadily deteriorated since Day 1. With two wickets already gone, India find themselves in a tense situation on Day 3. Marco Jansen’s early burst and South Africa’s disciplined lines have kept the visitors firmly in the contest.
The pitch has started offering considerable turn for the spinners and variable bounce for seamers, making shot selection risky. This match has become a battle of temperament, patience, and bowlers hunting in partnerships—very similar to low-scoring classics often seen in the subcontinent.
Match Situation Overview
Day 3 reached lunch with India at 10/2, still 114 runs away from victory. The morning session belonged completely to South Africa, thanks to Jansen’s incisive new-ball spell.
Session Summary: India vs South Africa
- India: 10/2 in 7 overs
- Target: 124
- Wickets: Jaiswal (0), Rahul (1)
- At crease: Washington Sundar (5*), Dhruv Jurel (4*)
India’s openers were unsettled early by swing and bounce, and the pitch’s grip made footwork crucial from ball one.
Also See: Cricket scorecard – India vs South Africa, 1st Test, South Africa tour of India, 2025 | Cricbuzz.com
India’s Second Innings: South Africa Strike Early
India vs South Africa:- Marco Jansen produced a spell straight out of the textbook—fuller lengths, sharp bounce, and just enough away movement to test the outside edge.
Wickets
0/1 – Yashasvi Jaiswal (0)
Jansen found a faint edge as Jaiswal poked at a rising delivery outside off.
1/2 – KL Rahul (1)
Another ball angled across; Rahul’s tentative push brought a low catch to the wicketkeeper.
in India vs South Africa , With two quick wickets gone, India’s chase has become a high-pressure battle. South Africa squeezed the singles, forcing Sundar and Jurel into a period of pure survival.
Their calm approach has ensured no further damage before lunch, but the challenge remains steep.
South Africa’s Second Innings: Jadeja Spins a Web
South Africa were bowled out for 153, giving India a target that is small on paper but significant on this pitch.
Standout Performer from India vs South Africa : Ravindra Jadeja
- Overs: 20
- Runs: 50
- Wickets: 4
Jadeja’s rhythm and accuracy were exceptional. His deliveries straightened, some gripped, and others skidded—forcing errors from the middle order.
Key Moments
- Tony de Zorzi fell sweeping straight to short midwicket.
- Mulder and Stubbs were undone by sharp turn.
- Bosch and Harmer resisted briefly, but India’s bowlers kept striking in intervals.
Temba Bavuma stood tall with a fighting 55 off 136*, but the lack of support made 153 the ceiling for the visitors.
India’s First Innings: Slow and Gritty, But Valuable
India’s 189 in the first innings may not look imposing, but on this surface, it was worth gold. KL Rahul held the innings together with a composed 39, while Washington Sundar added crucial runs.
Key Contributions in India vs South Africa
- Rahul – 39 off 119: Anchored the innings, absorbed pressure.
- Sundar – 29 off 82: Blunted the spin attack.
- Pant – 27 off 24: Provided tempo.
- Jadeja – 27 off 45: Added crucial lower-order balance.
South Africa’s Bowling
Simon Harmer crafted a wonderful spell:
- Overs: 15.2
- Wickets: 4
- Economy: 2.00
He used drift effectively, mixing angles with subtle variations, troubling both right-handers and left-handers.
South Africa’s First Innings: Bumrah’s Masterclass
South Africa had posted 159 in their opening innings, driven by an electric performance from Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah’s Figures
- Overs: 14
- Maidens: 5
- Wickets: 5
- Runs: 27
His control was immaculate. He targeted the stumps with late movement, forcing the batters to commit early. His strikes at both ends of the innings kept India ahead.
Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with important wickets, while Kuldeep and Axar maintained pressure in the middle overs.
Together, India’s attack ensured South Africa never built any sustainable partnerships.
Conclusion
This Test match India vs South Africa has grown into a gripping contest—low-scoring, tension-filled, and beautifully balanced. India need 114 more runs with eight wickets in hand, but conditions are challenging enough to keep both teams alive.
Whether India’s middle order can hold firm or South Africa can tighten the screws will decide the outcome of this Test.
Stay informed with Nuvexic for session-by-session updates and expert analysis.
FAQs
1. What is the current live score of the India vs South Africa 1st Test?
India are 10/2 in their second innings at lunch on Day 3.
2. How many runs does India need to win?
India need 114 more runs to secure victory.
3. Who bowled best for India?
Jasprit Bumrah with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, and Jadeja with four in the second.
4. Who top-scored for South Africa?
Temba Bavuma scored 55*, the standout effort of the match so far.
5. Which bowler caused India early trouble in the chase?
Marco Jansen dismissed both openers in a fiery new-ball spell.
6. Where is the match being played?
Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
