'I'm not a stats man, I'm a wins man' – Harmer says victory all that matters for Proteas
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Simon Harmer was not concerned with his individual statistics after a spellbinding performance in South Africa's topsy-turvy Test win over India in Kolkata.
The World Test champions looked to be on course for their first defeat of Temba Bavuma's captaincy when they resumed at 93-7 in their second innings on day three, with India still yet to bat again.
Bavuma reached 55 runs with the bat as the Proteas set their hosts a target of 124 for victory.
Only once in their history had India failed to chase down a target lower than 147 runs, falling short of a 120-run target against West Indies in Bridgetown in 1997.
But South Africa's bowlers enjoyed a dream innings to limit India to just 93, with Harmer managing figures of 4-21 to finish 8-51 for the match.
But speaking at the post-match presentation, Harmer said: "I'm not a stats man, I'm a wins man.
"There's still a game to go in the series, but we will enjoy this. I knew I needed to bowl well. We knew we were always one partnership away from getting into the game.
"It was the same with the ball in hand. I just needed to try and put as many balls in the right areas. I missed quite a bit today and was lucky with [Dhruv] Jurel's wicket.
"I'm just happy to be standing in this position with a win behind us. Personal accolades are trumped by a win. I am more than happy with the four-for and a win."
MATCH RESULT
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) November 16, 2025
An incredible performance from #TheProteas Men at Eden Gardens!
A phenomenal turnaround as South Africa claims victory by 30 runs to go 1-0 up in the Test series! pic.twitter.com/3jDrTZpCVd
The Proteas have now won 10 and drawn one of their 11 Tests with Bavuma as captain, but he credited his team-mates for that impressive record.
"As a captain, you're only as good as the players. I have to give it to them," the 35-year-old said.
"I am just comfortable with myself and my batting technique. I stand as still as I can, I watch the ball. I came here wanting to do well.
"We don't have a great record here, but I came here with exuberance and wanting to do well."
