South Africa crushed India by a massive 408-run margin in Guwahati to complete a historic 2-0 Test series victory — their first series triumph on Indian soil in 25 years. Chasing a daunting 549 on the final day, India collapsed for just 140 as the world Test champions showcased dominant spin bowling and clinical discipline. The defeat is India’s biggest at home by runs and marks their fifth loss in seven home Tests, raising serious questions about the team’s recent decline in familiar conditions.
Simon Harmer was the star of the match, producing a sensational spell of 6-37 to dismantle the Indian batting lineup. His brilliance helped South Africa achieve a feat they last managed in 2000 under Hansie Cronje. Ravindra Jadeja fought hard with a gritty 54, but Keshav Maharaj removed him via a sharp stumping before taking the final wicket of Mohammed Siraj — sealed with a spectacular deep catch by Marco Jansen.
Earlier, India had lost the opening Test in Kolkata within three days on a pitch offering uneven bounce, and the second Test further exposed their vulnerabilities as South Africa outplayed them with spin even on a batting-friendly track. The Proteas declared at 260-5 on day four, giving India a record chase, but the hosts never found stability. Sai Sudharsan survived an early scare due to Jansen’s no-ball, yet India failed to capitalise, losing wickets regularly and crashing to a historic home defeat.
