Bumrah Leads India Into Control With Brilliant Five-Wicket Spell on Day 1
Bumrah’s fiery spell leaves South Africa reeling on Day 1 in Kolkata.
Jasprit Bumrah delivered a bowling masterclass in Kolkata, ripping through South Africa’s batting lineup with a stunning five-wicket haul to hand India a dominant position on Day 1 of the first Test. The Proteas were bowled out for a modest 159 runs, failing to cope with Bumrah’s accuracy and movement on a lively Eden Gardens track. This was Bumrah’s 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, reaffirming his status as one of the game’s most fearsome pacers.
After being asked to bat first, South Africa started cautiously but faltered once Bumrah found his rhythm. He struck early, removing openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton in successive overs, both dismissed by deliveries that jagged sharply off the pitch. Bumrah then went on to dismiss key middle-order batters, tightening India’s grip on the contest. He finished with exceptional figures of 5 for 27 from 14 overs, his devastating spell leaving the visitors in disarray.
Support from the rest of the Indian bowling unit proved equally instrumental. Mohammed Siraj accounted for two important scalps, Kuldeep Yadav’s spin continued to trouble the lower order with two wickets of his own, and Axar Patel chipped in with one. Their combined effort ensured relentless pressure, leaving no room for South Africa to rebuild. The Proteas’ highest scorer was Aiden Markram with 31, while contributions from Ryan Rickelton (23), Tony de Zorzi (24), and Wiaan Mulder (24) ultimately proved too modest to make a difference.
For India, this commanding start sets the tone for the Freedom Trophy series, showcasing both bowling discipline and strategic dominance. The fielding unit also complemented the attack with alert catching and ground work. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s decision to maintain an aggressive field setup paid off handsomely as India never allowed South Africa to settle into partnerships.
With South Africa dismissed for just 159, India’s batters will look to consolidate the advantage and build a hefty first-innings lead when play resumes. The stage is now set for Rohit Sharma and the top order to transform Bumrah’s brilliance into a series-defining platform as the Kolkata Test moves into Day 2.
