India slumped to another painful home defeat on Sunday, falling 30 runs short while chasing just 124 against South Africa on a treacherous third-day pitch at Eden Gardens. Less than a year after a similar embarrassment, the hosts once again came undone in conditions that demanded discipline, calm nerves, and quite frankly, a little bit of luck.

Bavuma, Bosch Dig In as India Lose Control Early

The day began with India needing quick wickets, but Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch had other plans. Their stubborn 44-run stand dragged South Africa to safety and beyond, pushing the target into three-figure territory. On a surface that had been unpredictable all match with low skidders one ball and leaping lifters the next those extra runs felt like a mountain.

By the time India broke through, Bavu

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