Temba Bavuma Creates History, Becomes First Player In 148 Years To Achieve Stunning Feat As Captain
Temba Bavuma Creates History, Becomes First Player In 148 Years To Achieve Mind-Blowing Feat As Test Captain (Source: AP)
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- South Africa beat India by 30 runs.
- This was SA’s first win in India in 15 years.
- Temba Bavuma scripted world record as captain.
Temba Bavuma-led South Africa created history at the Eden Gardens as they defeated India by 30 runs in the first Test. This was South Africa’s first Test win in India in 15 years. Chasing a target of 124, India were bowled out for 93. For the unversed, Shubman Gill did not bat in the second innings due to a neck spasm. The wicket was not easy, and South Africa spinner Simon Harmer made full use of the conditions. He picked four wickets in the second innings to break the spine of the Indian batting. Earlier, Marco Jansen removed Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul in the opening to get the Proteas off to a flier, and leaving India reeling at 1-2.
Harmer produced a magical spell to beat India, but a lot of credit goes to the captain, Temba Bavuma, who scored a gritty half-century in the third innings to lift South Africa’s lead to 124.
Temba Bavuma Creates History
Temba Bavuma has changed the fortunes of the South Africa Test team. Since taking over the leadership reins of South Africa, he has led them to win in 10 out of the 11 games, with one game ending as a draw. This also includes a win in the World Test Championship final against Australia. Bavuma became the fastest player in the world to win 10 Test matches without losing a game as captain.
Most Test Wins As Captain Without Losing A Test
PlayerMatches As CaptainWinsLossesDrawTenureTemba Bavuma1110012024-2025*Warwick Armstrong (Australia)108021902-1921Brian Close (England)76011949-1976Charles Fry (England)64021896-1912
Meanwhile, India failed to chase the 124-run target at Eden Gardens. This was the second-lowest target India failed to chase in history after 120 against the West Indies.
Lowest Targets India Failed To Chase
- 120 vs WI – Bridgetown 1997
- 124 vs SA – Eden Gardens 2025
- 147 vs NZ – Wankhede 2024
- 176 vs SL – Galle 2015
- 193 vs Eng – Lord’s 2025
- 194 vs Eng – Edgbaston 201
Both teams failed to go past the 200-run mark in the Test, which is the first such instance in Test matches played in India. Overall, there have been 12 Tests in history where teams could not score 200, with the last Test coming in 1959.
