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South Africa spinner Simon Harmer has reignited the India-South Africa cricket rivalry with a subtle swipe at critics and the Indian media, fresh from his match-winning performance in the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Proteas stunned India in dramatic fashion, defending a modest total as Harmer’s off-spin dismantled a star-studded Indian line-up, turning what seemed like an inevitable Indian victory into a famous South African triumph.
South Africa’s sensational turnaround in Kolkata Test
India faced a target of just 124 runs in the second innings—a chase widely predicted to be straightforward for the hosts on home soil. Yet, Harmer and the Proteas bowlers unleashed a masterclass, bowling out India for a paltry 93 and clinching a historic 30-run win, South Africa’s first Test victory in India in 15 years.
The turning point came courtesy of a gritty half-century from captain Temba Bavuma, whose composed approach took South Africa’s lead to 153 after they had slumped to 93/7 on day two. Harmer, reflecting on the critical partnership, remarked, “There was definitely the belief. The way Temba batted, his tempo, he had a very solid and definite game plan.” He praised Bavuma’s resilience, emphasizing that one key stand could change the entire complexion of the match.
Harmer further revealed that South Africa’s dressing room drew motivation from the skepticism of critics, especially the Indian media, who had declared the match “done and dusted” before the final day. Manifesting belief became his mantra, which he jokingly attributed to their remarkable victory.
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Simon Harmer’s subtle dig at India and bowling genius
Post-match, Harmer didn’t shy away from addressing the narrative around South Africa’s position. He quipped about how, regardless of statistics or predictions, “if you’ve got a chip and a chair at the table, you’ve got a chance”. His sly swipe was directed at those who wrote the visitors off too soon—a statement that resonated following the dominant all-round bowling display led by Harmer’s four wickets in the final innings.
The 36-year-old off-spinner decimated India’s top order with clever variations in pace and trajectory, exploiting the conditions and adapting to the unpredictable Eden Gardens surface. His performance was lauded by cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle for its artistry, with Harmer varying his grip and seam position to bamboozle batters who are considered some of the best players of spin in world cricket.
Harmer took pride in competing with Indian batters in their own backyard, calling India the “peak” of spin challenges. “As an off-spinner, it’s the little subtle changes that make the difference. I love getting into competition with the batters and there’s no better place to do it than in the subcontinent,” he noted, highlighting his affinity for tough contests.
South Africa’s team effort, with every bowler contributing, turned a precarious situation into a resounding win. Harmer’s calculated approach, inspired leadership from Bavuma, and collective belief enabled the Proteas to upset the script and take a 1-0 lead in the series, setting the stage for an enthralling Guwahati Test.
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