The last Test match between India and South Africa in Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens took place in 2010
After six years of no Test action, the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata is finally set to host a Test match between India and South Africa. The last time Eden Gardens hosted a Test game was between India and Bangladesh in 2019, i.e., six years ago. However, a Test match between India and South Africa at the venue was last held in 2010. In short, the Proteas are visiting Kolkata’s crown jewel after a period of 15 years.
Although South Africa is the reigning World Test Champion, India is the favourite to win the game, especially at the Eden Gardens, where they won the last four Test matches were played between 2013 and 2019. And what about the game against South Africa in 2010? That, too, went in India’s favour – a game that witnessed a batting carnival from the home side and ended on a thrilling note.
Amla’s heroics
Batting first, Hashim Amla was the man of the hour from South Africa’s dugout. Wickets fell at quick intervals, with the majority of South Africa’s batters leaving on single digits. However, Amla made a gallant stand in the first innings, scoring 114 runs off 166 balls.
(Credit- ICC)
The only support Amla received was from Alviro Petersen, who had also scored a century. However, within 52 and 56 overs, both batters left, and from there on, it was a slump for the Proteas, who managed only 296 runs. The nine other batters had no idea how to deal with Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh, who picked up four and three wickets, respectively.
India’s batting carnival
After halting South Africa at a meagre 296 runs, India showcased a batting carnival with 165 runs, 106 runs and 143 runs coming from the bats of Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman, respectively. Not to be forgotten, MS Dhoni, who came in at the 7th wicket, added 132 runs, helping India reply with 643 runs.
(Credit- RCB)
Another century for a losing cause
In the second innings for South Africa, Hashim Amla once again took a stance, scoring 123 runs in 394 balls. However, again, none of the other batters came to the team’s rescue. After all, Harbhajan Singh had continued his momentum from the first innings, picking another five in the second innings.
(Credit- Wisden)
South Africa came close to India’s target, turning the match into a thriller, but lost by 57 runs and an innings.
Fifteen years later, India will attempt to maintain its ongoing winning streak at the Eden Gardens, whereas for South Africa, it will be all about securing a victory to turn the momentum in their favour so that they can win their first series since 1996-97.
