Team India suffered a 30-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in the Test match played at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. India were given a target of 124 runs, but Shubman Gill and his team were bowled out for just 93. With this win, South Africa clinched their first Test victory on Indian soil after 15 years. The Proteas also took a 1-0 lead in the series. Now, India must win the second and final Test to level the series.
The last match of the India–South Africa Test series will be played from 22 November (Saturday) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. The match timings will be slightly different this time. While the Kolkata Test began at 9:30 AM IST, the Guwahati Test will start at 9:00 AM IST. Test matches in India usually begin at 9:30 AM, but due to earlier sunrise and sunset in Northeast India, the BCCI has made this major adjustment.
On 22 November, the toss will take place at 8:30 AM, and the first ball will be bowled at 9:00 AM.
- First session: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Tea break: 20 minutes
- Second session: 11:20 AM to 1:20 PM
- Lunch break: 40 minutes
- Final session: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
If overs remain, play can be extended by 30 minutes, making the possible end time 4:30 PM.
What did the BCCI say?
For the first time in Test cricket, the Tea break will be taken before Lunch in a day game—breaking a long-standing tradition. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told ESPN Cricinfo, “This is a practical decision. During winter, sunrise and sunset in Northeast India occur much earlier. Light fades significantly by 4 PM, making play difficult. So we decided to start the match earlier, at 9 AM.”
In the Kolkata Test, off-spinner Simon Harmer played a crucial role with 8 wickets, helping South Africa secure victory. South Africa posted 159 runs in the first innings, while Jasprit Bumrah picked up five wickets. India responded with 189, gaining only a 30-run lead.
In the second innings, captain Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 guided South Africa to 153 runs. India were expected to chase 124 comfortably, but the batting lineup collapsed. Only Washington Sundar (31) and Axar Patel (26) offered some resistance.
India will now be aiming for an all-round improvement in the Guwahati Test.
India Squad for the Second Test:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (Captain), Rishabh Pant (Vice-captain/Wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Devdutt Padikkal, Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy.
South Africa Squad for the Second Test:
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (Captain), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (Wicketkeeper), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Zubayr Hamza, Wiaan Mulder.