South Africa were under immense pressure during the first Test in Kolkata. After being bowled out for 159 in their first innings, they found themselves struggling again in the second innings. By the end of Day 2, they were precariously placed at 93/7, and it seemed that India were in full control of the proceedings. But South African skipper Temba Bavuma held firm, playing a gritty unbeaten 55, steadying the ship and giving his bowlers something to defend.

South Africa had set India a target of 124. However, chasing the target, India were bowled out for 93, with no batter managing to help the side in times of need.

South African spinner Simon Harmer’s contribution with the ball was decisive. He collected eight wickets in the match, including a crucial 4-21 in India’s fourth innings to seal the win for the Proteas. Reacting to South Africa's win, Simon Harmer took a pointed swipe at those who had dismissed his team ahead of their sensational Test win over India.

"It was a foregone conclusion. The Indian media said this game was done and dusted. On that wicket, we just needed one partnership, and I think the way Temba batted, his tempo, he had a very solid and definite game plan. There was definitely the belief. We were thinking we could have got to 150 there. And then we go out and Marco gets those two wickets, and with Shubman not playing, they were effectively none for three. We thought we had a real chance. Everybody chipped in. It's cliche, but it was a proper team effort," Harmer said on 'talkSPORTCricket'.

"The chat at the end of day two was a chip and a chair. If you've got a chip and chair at the table, you've got a chance. Sort of manifesting that and for it to come into reality the next day, to sit back down, I think there's a few boys in the dressing room who have been on the other side of the result more often than not, especially in India. So they were extremely excited and chuffed. The noise when Axar was hitting those sixes in the stadium was deafening. So yeah, you're hoping things go your way, and they do," Harmer stated.

South Africa are leading the two-match series 1-0, and the second Test between India and South Africa will begin on November 22 in Guwahati.