India tightened their control over the first Test as South Africa were bowled out for just 159 on the opening day at Eden Gardens. Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball with a five-wicket haul to put the visitors under constant pressure from the moment their early stand was broken.
South Africa, who had raced to 57 for no loss in the first 10 overs, began to crumble once Bumrah found his rhythm. He produced two unplayable deliveries in the morning session to remove the openers Aiden Markram (31) and Ryan Rickelton (23). Kuldeep Yadav then dismissed Temba Bavuma (3), giving India full control before lunch.
After the break, Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi tried to steady the innings with patient batting. Mulder looked solid for more than 50 balls but lost focus when he attempted a reverse sweep off Kuldeep and was trapped lbw. Soon after, Bumrah returned and sent back the in-form de Zorzi for 24.
South Africa’s slide continued in the final session. Siraj, who had gone for 34 runs in his first six overs, came back strongly. In his 10th over, he dismissed Kyle Verreynne (16) and Marco Jansen (0) within four balls, opening up the lower order. At the stroke of tea, Axar Patel trapped Corbin Bosch (3), leaving South Africa struggling at 155 for 8.
Soon after the break, Axar removed Bosch, and the collapse was complete when Bumrah dismissed Simon Harmer for 5 and bowled Keshav Maharaj for a duck with an unplayable yorker. His outstanding spell earned him a five-wicket haul as South Africa were bowled out for 159 in 55 overs.