India vs South Africa 1st Test Day 1: Axar Patel Strikes as SA Reels to 154/8 at Tea
Kolkata, November 14, 2025 — In a dominant first session on Day 1 of the 1st Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens, India tightened the screws on the Proteas, with Axar Patel delivering a timely strike just before tea, leaving South Africa reeling at 154/8 in 32 overs.
India’s pressure was already building, thanks to a fiery double-strike from Mohammed Siraj, who rattled the top order, and Jasprit Bumrah, who added to the collapse. The hosts’ spin-heavy strategy paid off as the South African batsmen found little rhythm against the turn, setting the stage for a dramatic afternoon.
Axar’s return to the playing XI in place of Sai Sudharsan has clearly had an impact—bringing control and threat with his left-arm spin. He was a key part of India’s plan to exploit the surface, and his wicket just before tea was a reward for India’s patient build-up.
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