South Africa spinner Simon Harmer took the prized wicket of India vice-captain Rishabh Pant on Day 3 of the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, November 16. The off-spinner dismissed Pant for just two runs with a brilliant caught and bowled dismissal, reducing the hosts to 38/4 in a 124-run chase.
The dismissal came in the 20th over of India’s second innings. Harmer bowled a delivery on middle and leg with a hint of turn, and Pant was looking to drive it on the leg side, but the ball stopped on him. The wicketkeeper-batter only managed to chip it back to the bowler, who completed a simple return catch.
With this scalp, Simon Harmer continued his impressive exploits with the ball, following his four-wicket haul when India were bowled out for 189 in the first innings. Notably, the 36-year-old recently bagged 12 wickets in a two-match Test series in Pakistan, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant managed scores of 27 and 2 on his comeback to Tests after recovering from injury.
—
### India in Trouble in a Tricky Chase Against South Africa
With none other than Shubman Gill—India’s regular captain—missing the match due to a stiff neck, Team India found themselves in a spot of bother during their 124-run chase against South Africa in the opening Test.
South African fast bowler Marco Jansen struck early by removing both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, for just 0 and 1, respectively. Meanwhile, Simon Harmer continued his fine form by dismissing Dhruv Jurel (13) and Rishabh Pant.
At the time of writing, India were 51/4 in their second innings, with Washington Sundar (23) and Ravindra Jadeja (12) at the crease.
—
### Historical Context and What Lies Ahead
The highest successful chase at Eden Gardens in Test cricket is 120 runs, a target India achieved against South Africa back in 2004. Given the challenging pitch and bowler-friendly conditions, the hosts will be wary of their recent 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand last year.
However, India did show resilience in their prior home assignment, where the Shubman Gill-led side defeated the West Indies 2-0 just last month.
Stay tuned and follow the IND vs SA 2025 1st Test live scores and updates here.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-simon-harmer-outfoxes-struggling-rishabh-pant-remove-2-ind-vs-sa-2025-1st-test-watch