Kolkata, Nov 16: India suffered another home defeat in under a year as South Africa claimed a thrilling 30-run victory in the first Test at Eden Gardens on Sunday, leaving India unable to chase a target of 124 on the third day.

The match unfolded on a ragged pitch that produced uneven bounce, testing both batters and bowlers alike. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch produced a crucial 44-run partnership on the third morning, frustrating India’s bowlers and ensuring the Proteas set up a competitive final innings. Bavuma remained unbeaten on 55, giving South Africa a 123-run lead.

India’s chase began under challenging circumstances as captain Shubman Gill was ruled out after suffering a severe neck spasm on Day 2, leaving the team a wicket down before the first ball of the day. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and KL Rahul (1) fell to left-arm seamer Marco Jansen, exposing India’s middle-order to the spin challenge.

Simon Harmer wreaked havoc with the off-spin, dismissing Dhruv Jurel, stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession. Washington Sundar tried to steady the innings but fell to part-timer Aiden Markram. Axar Patel briefly revived hopes with a boundary and a six off Keshav Maharaj, only to be trapped shortly after, while Mohammed Siraj’s edge handed South Africa the victory.

The win marks South Africa’s first Test triumph in India in 15 years and hands them momentum heading into the second Test in Guwahati on Saturday. For India, the defeat is their second home loss under coach Gautam Gambhir while chasing a target under 150.

Eden Gardens remains a fortress that challenges visitors, yet India’s inability to close out small targets raises concerns ahead of the series.