India and South Africa produced a rare statistical shock at Eden Gardens, becoming part of a historic first in Indian Test cricket — neither side crossed 200 in either innings despite being bowled out twice.
A Three-Day Collapse at Eden Gardens
India hosted South Africa in the opening Test of the two-match series in Kolkata but suffered a stunning 30-run defeat inside three days. Chasing a modest target of 124 in the fourth innings, India folded for just 93 runs in 35 overs on Sunday, November 16.
India captain Shubman Gill did not bat in the second innings after picking up a neck injury on Day 2.
A Historic First in Indian Test Cricket
This match marked the first time in 92 years of Test cricket in India that both teams failed to reach 200 in either innings while being bowled out each time.
Across 148 years of Test history, this has happened only 12 times. The last instance before this came in Dhaka in 1959 — but never before in India, where the first Test was played in 1933.
Bavuma Leads as Bowlers Dominate
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat, but his team could only reach 159 in the first innings. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a fiery spell, taking five wickets in 14 overs.
India’s response wasn’t much better. They were dismissed for 189 in 62.2 overs, with KL Rahul top-scoring with a grit-filled 39 off 119 balls.
South Africa posted 153 in their second innings, with Bavuma anchoring the innings with a fighting 56 not out, even as wickets tumbled around him.
India’s Batting Fails Again
Set a target of 124, India were expected to level the contest. Instead, they collapsed dramatically for 93, handing South Africa a memorable win and creating a statistical anomaly rarely seen in modern Test cricket.
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