South Africa have recorded a historic red-ball triumph on Indian soil after 15 years after clinching a 30-run win in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Day 3, on Sunday, November 16. The Proteas have clinched a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after defending a 124-run target on a tacky pitch.
Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen dismissed both the openers in the final innings before the spinners took over to dismantle the Indian batting unit completely. Featuring without the injured skipper Shubman Gill, the Men in Blue struggled to have a say in the run chase. Off-spinner Simon Harmer led the charge with four wickets to skittle India out for just 93 runs, and record a memorable triumph for the visiting side.
Ahead of the contest, South Africa were placed fourth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a PCT of 50 following their 1-1 series draw against Pakistan recently. This historical win now propels them to the second spot in the table with an improved PCT of 66 after three matches played. Australia still sits atop the rankings with a flawless record after their clean sweep over the West Indies, a couple of months ago.
India, on the other hand, were placed third on the WTC standings with a PCT of 61.90 after their series results against England and West Indies. However, the recent loss hurts them significantly, as they slip to fourth place, with their PCT worsening to 54.17. Sri Lanka, with their 1-0 series win over Bangladesh, now holds the third spot with a PCT of 66.67.
The Men in Blue have played eight Tests in this cycle so far, winning four, losing three, and drawing one.
Team India will face South Africa in the second Test in Guwahati from November 22 onwards
The Men in Blue are now under immense pressure to avoid a second series loss at home inside the space of just over a year when they face the Proteas in the second and final Test of the series.
Team India have additional concerns heading into the contest, with skipper Shubman Gill doubtful for the contest due to a neck injury he sustained on Day 2 of the series opener.
The contest is slated to begin from Saturday, November 22, onwards at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. It will be the first time that the venue will be hosting a Test match.
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Edited by Gokul Nair

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