Off-spinner Simon Harmer led South Africa’s lion-hearted bowling effort as the Proteas registered a thrilling 30-run victory against India inside three days of the low-scoring opening test on Sunday.

Harmer claimed 4-21 as India, chasing 124 for victory, folded for 93 in a remarkable batting meltdown in front of the nearly 40,000-strong crowd at Eden Gardens.

Earlier, Temba Bavuma dragged South Africa back into the contest with an innings of tremendous grit.

Having conceded a first-innings lead of 30, South Africa resumed day three on a precarious 93-7 with the onus on Bavuma to give his bowlers some runs to defend.

Bavuma replied with an unbeaten 55 – the only 50 by any batter on a minefield of a pitch where inconsistent bounce and spin made life difficult for the shot-makers.

Corbin

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