- The match is part of the two-Test series between India and South Africa, for the 2025-26 season. The series forms part of the 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship.
- The venue is Eden Gardens, Kolkata — a historic ground in India, hosting its first red-ball Test since some time. India Today+1
- At the toss, South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first.
- The pitch was described as having variable bounce and offering assistance to seam and pace early on, with spin expected to come into play later.
🧑🤝🧑 Teams & Key Players
- South Africa’s batting line-up opened well with the top order, but they faltered later.
- India’s bowling attack featured the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel among others. mint+1
📊 Day 1 Session-by-Session Breakdown
Morning / first session
- South Africa started their innings strongly: they reached 57 for 0 at one point.
- India’s Bumrah broke through, dismissing both openers in quick succession. He removed Ryan Rickelton (bowled) and Aiden Markram (caught & bowled).
- At lunch or close to it, South Africa were around 105/3.
Middle session (post-lunch to tea)
- After lunch, the collapse began: South Africa lost wickets rapidly. For example, Mulder and Tony de Zorzi made starts but were dismissed.
- Mohammad Siraj played a key role, getting two wickets in a single over, using reverse swing and sharp accuracy. India Today
- Just before tea, Axar Patel trapped Bosch LBW, leaving the visitors at 154/8.
Final session (towards the close of day)
- In the final session, India pressed home their advantage. Bumrah, in particular, was ruthless and finished with figures of 5 for 27.
- South Africa were bowled out for 159 runs in around 55 overs.
- The collapse after a promising start (57/0) to 159 all out highlights how dominant the Indian bowlers were.
🎯 Key Moments & Players
- Jasprit Bumrah: His five-wicket haul is significant — he became the first fast bowler since Dale Steyn in 2008 to take a five-for on the opening day of a red-ball Test in India.
- Momentum shift: South Africa looked comfortable at 57/0, but the Indian attack turned the tide dramatically. Between lunch and tea they lost five wickets.
- Pitch & conditions: The variable bounce and assistance to bowlers, especially early, meant batters needed to be extra cautious. The home side exploited this well.
🔍 Implications for the series
- With South Africa dismissed cheaply for 159, India are in a very strong position going into their first innings.
- This result (on Day 1) gives India the upper hand — psychological advantage, control of the game, ability to press for a lead.
- For South Africa, this is a warning sign: despite winning the toss and starting positively, their inability to build and sustain partnerships cost them big.
- Given this is part of the World Test Championship, the outcome of this Test carries weight. A win or strong performance by India will boost their prospects.
- The series being only two Tests means every innings and every session matters a lot — there’s little margin for error.
📝 Summary
In summary: South Africa won the toss and batted first at Eden Gardens but were undone by a disciplined Indian bowling effort, especially by Jasprit Bumrah (5/27), Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav. After a 57/0 start, South Africa collapsed and were all out for 159. The Indian bowlers exploited the conditions excellently, and India now sit in a commanding position early in the series.
