India’s fiery pacer Mohammed Siraj produced one of many moments of the match on Day 3 of the primary Take a look at towards South Africa on the Eden Gardens, sending Simon Harmer’s off stump flying — fairly actually into two items — with a sensational in-ducker that left followers and commentators surprised.
Mohammed Siraj cleans up Simon Harmer with a magnificence
In a gripping passage of play throughout the morning session, Siraj delivered a supply that might be replayed for years. Harmer misjudged the road utterly, opting to shoulder arms, solely to observe his off-stump get cut up cleanly into two. The dismissal got here at an important second as South Africa had been mounting a mini fightback, and Siraj’s brilliance ensured India regained full management of the Take a look at.
The second arrived on the third ball of the 54th over. Siraj, who had been probing relentlessly across the off-stump channel, angled one in sharply. The ball straightened off the deck and seamed again simply sufficient to beat Harmer’s judgment. Anticipating the supply to carry its line, the Proteas batter let it go, solely to understand — far too late — that the ball was homing in.
The subsequent second, the off-stump was smashed into two items, mendacity on the bottom in a dramatic heap. Siraj set free a roar because the Indian fielders rushed towards him, celebrating a second of pure fast-bowling excellence.
Right here’s the video:
You simply can’t hold him out of the sport! 🔥#MohammedSiraj will get the ninth wicket for #TeamIndia! 🙌👊#INDvSA | 1st Take a look at, Day 3, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/19cUrY4aXc pic.twitter.com/OZeAB4Ac26
— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) November 16, 2025
South Africa’s fightback led by Temba Bavuma
Earlier than Siraj’s breathtaking supply stole the headlines, South Africa resumed their innings at 91/7 and confirmed admirable resilience. Skipper Temba Bavuma performed a decided knock, mentioning a combating half-century underneath strain. His composure helped stabilise the innings at a time when India had been pushing laborious for fast breakthroughs.
Bavuma stitched a worthwhile 44-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Corbin Bosch, irritating the Indian bowlers with stout defence and calculated aggression. Their stand briefly threatened to take the sport deeper than India would have appreciated.
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India regain management earlier than welcoming a shaky begin of their chase
Nonetheless, as soon as the partnership was damaged, India tightened their grip. The bowlers maintained self-discipline, hitting constant lengths and stopping the Proteas from constructing additional momentum. South Africa ultimately folded for 153, giving India a chaseable goal of 124 runs to take a 1–0 lead within the three-match sequence.
Chasing 124, India made a shaky begin, shedding two early wickets earlier than lunch. At 10/2, the hosts discovered themselves underneath surprising strain, with the Proteas bowlers sensing a chance to claw again into the competition. Regardless of the modest goal, India nonetheless want 114 runs to win, and the afternoon session is about up for a tense battle between India’s batting lineup and South Africa’s spirited assault.
Additionally READ: IND vs SA: Neck spasm rules out Shubman Gill from the remainder of first Test in Kolkata
