India, Nov. 16 -- India crashed to a stunning defeat on a vicious Eden Gardens pitch, lost the first Test to South Africa after collapsing in a challenging chase of 124 in Kolkata. A target that looked routine on paper turned into a full-blown crisis as Simon Harmer led a South African bowling attack that ran through a brittle batting line-up, missing injured captain Shubman Gill.

Across less than three days, 400-odd runs and 40 wickets told the story of a surface bordering on unplayable and a visiting side that embraced the chaos better. Temba Bavuma's gritty fifty, Jasprit Bumrah's five-for, Simon Harmer's heroics, and Washington Sundar's resilience - all became supporting beats in a Test that will be remembered for its ferocity and th...