World Test champions South Africa bowled out a struggling Indian side for just 140 while defending a massive target of 549 on the final day, sealing a 408-run victory in the second Test — their first Test series triumph on Indian soil in 25 years.
South Africa wrapped up the series 2-0 in Guwahati, inflicting India’s largest home defeat in terms of runs. This also marks India’s fifth loss in their last seven home Tests, after being swept 3-0 by New Zealand the previous year.
Veteran off-spinner Simon Harmer, aged 36, was the star of the match with outstanding figures of 6 for 37, guiding the Proteas to only their second-ever Test series win in India, the previous one coming in 2000 under Hansie Cronje.
Ravindra Jadeja fought hard with a 54-run knock, but Keshav Maharaj dismissed him through a stumping before taking the final wicket of Mohammed Siraj — with Marco Jansen taking a brilliant catch in the deep.
India had earlier lost the opening Test in Kolkata within three days on a tricky pitch with inconsistent bounce. In the second Test, South Africa again outplayed India in their preferred conditions, dominating with spin on a track considered good for batting.
The visitors declared on 260-5 in their second innings on day four, setting India a record target. But the Indian batting lineup failed once more and never looked close to mounting a challenge.
India enjoyed a bit of luck early when Sai Sudharsan was caught behind off Jansen, only for the delivery to be called a no-ball. Kuldeep Yadav was also dropped on four by Aiden Markram in the slip cordon.
However, the brief fortune didn’t last. Harmer bowled Kuldeep for five to give South Africa their first breakthrough of the day.
Three balls later, he removed Dhruv Jurel for two, and soon after dismissed captain Rishabh Pant for 13 — pushing India into trouble at 58-5.
The Indian wickets continued to tumble rapidly on a surface where South Africa had earlier posted 489 after choosing to bat first.
India replied with 201 in their first innings, handing the visitors a commanding 288-run lead. South Africa chose not to enforce the follow-on and batted again.
Marco Jansen shone with the ball as well, picking up 6 for 48 in India’s first innings, shortly after smashing a blistering 93 runs with the bat.
All-rounder Senuran Muthusamy led the Proteas’ batting effort with an impressive 109, his maiden Test hundred.
