Second Test, Guwahati (Day 5):
South Africa completed a dominant 2–0 series sweep over India on Wednesday, delivering India their heaviest-ever defeat by runs in Test cricket. The visitors secured a massive 408-run victory in the second Test at Guwahati.
South Africa’s triumph marked just their second Test series win in India, and the first since 2000, when they were led by Hansie Cronje. The margin of defeat surpassed India’s previous worst loss of 342 runs against Australia in Nagpur in 2004.
Match Summary
South Africa
- 1st Innings: 489
- Muthusamy 109
- Yadav 4–115
- 2nd Innings: 260–5 declared
- Stubbs 94
- Jadeja 4–62
India
- 1st Innings: 201
- Jaiswal 58
- Jansen 6–48
- 2nd Innings: 140
- Jadeja 54
- Harmer 6–37
Result: South Africa won by 408 runs
India Collapse in Record Chase
After South Africa declared at 260 for 5 on Day Four, India were set an imposing target of 549 runs for victory — the highest-ever chase attempted on home soil.
However, India’s batting crumbled under sustained pressure and they were bundled out for just 140 in 63.5 overs on the final day. Ravindra Jadeja stood out with a fighting 54, but received little support from the rest of the lineup.
Harmer and Markram Star in Crushing Win
Spinner Simon Harmer wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming six wickets to dismantle India’s second innings. Aiden Markram delivered a sensational fielding performance, taking a record nine catches in the match.
Reflecting on the win, Markram said:
“It’s an incredible feeling. As a group, you have to believe you can compete with the best in their own backyard. I’m extremely proud of this team.”
Series Context
South Africa had earlier edged India by 30 runs in the series opener in Kolkata, setting the stage for their historic sweep.
Before last October’s 3–0 home defeat against New Zealand, India had not lost a Test series at home for 12 years, highlighting the significance of South Africa’s achievement.
