IND vs SA: Shocking! India register humiliating record following batting blunder in Kolkata test
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India were bowled out for 93 runs while chasing a 124-run target in the first IND vs SA test.
In what can be described as one of their worst batting shows, Indian Cricket Team lost to South Africa Cricket Team by 30 runs in the first test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday, November 16. The Shubman Gill & Co. failed to chase down a 124-run target in the encounter, getting bowled out for just 93 runs.
South Africa, with spinner Simon Harmer’s four-wicket haul, denied India any chances of victory at a tricky pitch at Eden Gardens, as the match witnessed batters from both sides struggling to score runs. Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen also clinched two wickets each to dominate Indian batters in the second innings as Indian wickets fell like a house of cards.
Following the defeat, India registered a humiliating record in their kitty in test cricket, failing to chase down their second-lowest target in tests. Moreover, it was also the only second time that India failed to chase down a target below 125 runs in the longest format.
India failed to chase their second-lowest total in test cricket against South Africa
The previous incident took place 28 years ago in 1997, when India could not chase a 120-run target in a clash against the West Indies in Bridgetown. India were bowled out for just 81 runs, losing the encounter by 38 runs.
Lowest targets India failed to chase down in test cricket
- 120 vs West Indies – Bridgetown (1997)
- 124 vs South Africa – Eden Gardens (2025)
- 147 vs New Zealand – Wankhede (2024)
- 176 vs Sri Lanka – Galle (2015)
- 193 vs England – Lord’s (2025)
Speaking about the clash, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first, however, they were bowled out for just 159 runs. Jasprit Bumrah clinched a five-wicket haul to put India in a strong position at the start. Later, India were bowled out for 189 runs with a lead of 30 runs. Captain Shubman Gill got retired out due to a neck injury.
After that, with an unbeaten half-century by Temba Bavuma (55*), the Proteas piled up 153/10 in the second innings, setting a 124-run target for the hosts. While India were expected to win with ease, they were eventually bundled out for 93 runs with many key batters losing wickets for single digits. Washington Sundar registered the highest score of 31 runs as other batters failed to cross the 30-run mark.
Meanwhile, South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0, with the next game scheduled to commence on November 22 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
What unwanted record did India register in the first test against South Africa?
India registered the unwanted record of failing to chase their second-lowest total in test cricket in the clash.
Who won the first IND vs SA test?
South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in the encounter.
Who was Player of the Match in the first IND vs SA test?
Simon Harmer was Player of the Match in the first IND vs SA test.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.