South Africa’s second innings came to a dramatic end on Day 3 of the 1st Test in Kolkata, as India bowled out the visitors for 159 & 153, setting up a chase of 124 runs. The final blows were delivered by Mohammed Siraj, who — despite getting just two overs in the entire innings — produced a decisive burst that wrapped up the tail in clinical fashion.

With Shubman Gill off the field due to a stiff neck and stand-in captain Rishabh Pant managing the bowling changes, India relied heavily on their four-spinner attack for most of the innings. But when Pant finally handed the ball to Siraj deep into the spell, the pacer delivered instantly.

Siraj’s two overs, two wickets: the over-by-over breakdown

Siraj bowled only 12 balls, but they were enough to dismantle South Africa’s final resistance.

53.3 — OUT! Simon Harmer b Siraj 7 (20)
A brutal nip-backer that shattered the off stump into pieces. Harmer played no shot and paid the price as Siraj sent the stump cartwheeling — as comprehensive a dismissal as possible.

53.6 — OUT! Keshav Maharaj lbw b Siraj 0 (3)
Siraj wrapped up the innings with a perfect yorker that speared into the blockhole. Maharaj reviewed immediately, but ball-tracking showed it crashing into middle stump. A textbook tailender dismissal.

In between, Siraj bowled two sharp deliveries — one that dug in short, and another that angled across the right-hander — keeping the batters guessing despite the extremely small sample of overs he was allowed to bowl.

India’s chase: a tricky target ahead

With South Africa bowled out, India now require 124 runs to win on a pitch that is starting to take turn and show signs of uneven bounce. The Cricbuzz commentary noted that “anything above 150 will be tricky for India to chase in the 4th innings,” setting up a tense finish.

Complicating matters further is the fitness of India’s captain Shubman Gill, who walked off retired hurt earlier due to severe neck pain. Commentary updates confirm he will not bat again, meaning India effectively have only nine wickets in their fourth-innings chase.

Context: Siraj introduced late

  • India bowled 51 consecutive overs of spin before Siraj was brought back.

  • This was his second over of the innings.

  • He struck twice in that same over and ended with figures of 2–2 in 2 overs.

  • His precision in the dying moments helped India restrict the target to a manageable number.

What next?

India head into the chase needing 124 on a wearing surface and with uncertainties around their captain’s availability. With South Africa fighting hard and India effectively a batter short, the match is set up for a gripping final session.