India suffered a stunning defeat in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, bowled out for just 93 while chasing a modest target of 124. The 30-run loss marked South Africa’s first Test win in India in 15 years and highlighted how tricky low targets can be on subcontinental pitches.Chasing 124, India’s hopes were dented by the absence of Shubman Gill, ruled out due to neck surgery. The Proteas, led by Temba Bavuma’s resilient 55 not out and a crucial 44-run partnership with Corbin Bosch, set the tone for the victory. Off-spinner Simon Harmer was exceptional, claiming 4-21, while Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, and Keshav Maharaj picked up key wickets to dismantle India’s line-up on a pitch that challenged batters even on low totals.
Lowest targets India failed to chase down120 vs WI Bridgetown 1997124 vs SA Eden Gardens 2025147 vs NZ Wankhede 2024176 vs SL Galle 2015193 vs Eng Lord’s 2025This match also adds to India’s record of lowest targets failed in Tests. Their previous lowest failed chases include 120 against West Indies in Bridgetown (1997), 147 against New Zealand at Wankhede (2024), 176 vs Sri Lanka in Galle (2015), and 193 against England at Lord’s (2025). The 124-run chase now sits in this list, showing how even modest targets can be tricky under certain conditions.Lowest target successfully defended by South Africa117 vs Aus Sydney 1994124 vs Ind Eden Gardens 2025146 vs Pak Faisalabad 1997177 vs SL Kandy 2000For South Africa, the target was their second-lowest successfully defended in Tests, following 117 against Australia in Sydney (1994). In India, this is only the second-lowest defended target, after 107 by India against Australia at Wankhede in 2004.Lowest target successfully defended in Tests in India107 Ind vs Aus Wankhede 2004124 SA vs Ind Eden Gardens 2025147 NZ vs Ind Wankhede 2024170 Ind vs SA Ahmedabad 1996India’s innings saw some promising moments. Jurel’s smooth flicks and Sundar’s patience kept the chase alive for a while, and Ravindra Jadeja’s boundaries off Marco Jansen and Harmer offered hope. But Harmer’s relentless bowling, coupled with Markram’s off-spin, repeatedly struck at crucial moments. Key dismissals included Jurel for a miscued pull, Pant trapped by Harmer, Jadeja lbw, and Sundar caught at slip. Axar Patel’s late assault provided excitement with a boundary and two sixes, but Maharaj ended the resistance by taking the last three wickets in quick succession.Ultimately, South Africa’s victory showed that even small totals can be defended with tight bowling, disciplined fielding, and strategic pressure. The Eden Gardens pitch, while low-scoring, offered a dramatic contest and reminded fans that Test cricket can still produce shocks, even in the subcontinent.
