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The first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens witnessed India’s commanding control on the opening day, largely fueled by the brilliance of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. After South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, they were ultimately bundled out for a meager total of 159 runs in their first innings.
The Proteas started aggressively, racing to 57 for no loss in the first ten overs, signaling a fast-paced Test match. However, the momentum quickly shifted as Bumrah found his rhythm, producing unplayable deliveries to break the opening stand and trigger a dramatic collapse. The pacer finished with a stunning five-wicket haul (5/27), his spell ensuring the visitors remained under constant pressure throughout the three sessions. India now holds a significant advantage, having successfully navigated the first major hurdle of the series in a display of bowling supremacy.
IND vs SA: Jasprit Bumrah’s five-star spell decimates South Africa’s top order and tail
India’s domination was spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, whose outstanding spell of 5/27 proved too potent for the South African batting line-up, leading to their rapid demise in just 55 overs. The visitors’ innings started promisingly, but the situation dramatically altered once Bumrah found his pace and line, producing two magnificent and “unplayable deliveries” to dismantle the openers.
He struck twice in the morning session, first removing opener Aiden Markram (31) and then dismissing Ryan Rickelton (23), which shattered the early momentum established by the 57-run stand. The collapse was cemented just before lunch when spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed the crucial wicket of captain Temba Bavuma (3), giving India full control at 71/3. Bumrah’s relentless pressure extended into the second session, where he returned to send back the in-form Tony de Zorzi (24), caught plumb in front, and he later cleaned up the tail.
His outstanding spell was capped off with the final two wickets of Simon Harmer (5) and Keshav Maharaj (0), whom he dismissed with an unplayable yorker sealing his five-wicket haul. Bumrah’s accuracy and ability to strike with both the new and old ball made him the central figure in India’s demolition job, rightfully earning him the accolades.
Also WATCH: IND vs SA: Mohammed Siraj’s rippling delivery sends Marco Jansen packing on Day 1 of Kolkata Test
IND vs SA: Middle-order resistance crumbles under spin and pace attack
While Bumrah set the foundation, the combined efforts of the supporting bowlers ensured that the middle and lower order of South Africa could find no respite throughout the day, leading to a quick loss of ten wickets for just 102 runs. Following the initial wickets, Wiaan Mulder (24) and Tony de Zorzi attempted to steady the innings with patient batting after the lunch break. Mulder, who looked solid for more than 50 balls, lost focus when he attempted a reverse sweep and was trapped lbw by Kuldeep Yadav, highlighting the spinner’s tactical patience.
The slide intensified dramatically in the final session, with pacer Mohammed Siraj, who had been slightly expensive earlier in the day, coming back strongly in his tenth over. Siraj achieved a devastating double strike, dismissing wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne (16) and Marco Jansen (0) within the space of just four balls, decisively opening up the lower order.
The final stages of the innings were mopped up by the effective combination of spin and pace, with Axar Patel joining the wicket-taking list. Axar trapped Corbin Bosch (3) lbw right at the stroke of tea, leaving South Africa struggling at 154 for 8 and showcasing the depth of the Indian bowling arsenal. Their total of 159 runs in just 55 overs underlines the complete dominance exerted by the home team on the opening day, with Siraj and Kuldeep also claiming two wickets each, and Axar Patel securing one.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Jasprit Bumrah is just full of Class!
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
Boom boom 💥
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99)
Jasprit Bumrah back to doing what he does for breakfast-lunch-dinner: taking a five-wicket haul for next to nothing
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73)
5-fer for Bumrah vs South Africa. 5-27. Back to his very best! What a day of bowling from him!!
The ones to both openers in particular were special!
— Abhijit Kulkarni (@abhijitmk)
You could hear Bumrah telling 'he wasn't expecting that' to the umpire while returning back after bowling a bouncer to Maharaj. But you could almost feel that he would hold back that obvious yorker for 1 more ball.
Fitting fifer for one of the greats of modern era. Never doubt
— Bishontherockz (@BishOnTheRockx)
Five-wicket haul for Jasprit Bumrah. He is the man to go of India in all formats.
Truly back in rythm. 💥🥹
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana)
5/27 in 14 overs
Another fifer for the legend, in subcontinental conditions, after all the hate and criticism from certain quarters of Indian fans.
Ignore the haters and Keep scaling the new mountains Bumrah. You are such a joy to watch. One of a kind.
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444)
Best Bumrah spell in a while, got it on a string atm. Executing everything he wants at will with impeccable accuracy and every ball feeling like an event. What a sight..
— Prashanth (@ps_it_is)
Time and again Bumrah sends out reminders that he’s the best.
86 Test wickets at home, at an average of 16.5 and an exceptional strike-rate of just 35. He is a Generational talent.— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9)
Five wicket haul for Jasprit Bumrah on the opening day of the 1st Test ⚡
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
