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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 70427, member: 636"] India's head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the Eden Gardens pitch after his team collapsed for 93 runs while chasing a modest 124-run target, handing South Africa a 30-run victory in the series opener. Gambhir insisted the surface presented no unplayable conditions and noted that fast bowlers claimed most wickets rather than spinners, making it a test of technical skill and mental strength. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma anchored his side's effort with an unbeaten 55, the match's only half-century, building a vital 44-run partnership with Corbin Bosch. Off-spinner Simon Harmer claimed four second-innings wickets to secure the win for the world test champions. India competed with one fewer batter after skipper Shubman Gill retired hurt with a neck injury following his four-run contribution in the first innings and could not return. [/QUOTE]