Guwahati, November 26:
South Africa created history on Wednesday by defeating India by 408 runs in the second Test, sealing a 2-0 series sweep and registering their first Test series win on Indian soil since 2000. The defeat is now India’s biggest in Test cricket by runs.
Chasing an improbable 549, India folded for 140 in the second session on Day 5. Veteran off-spinner Simon Harmer was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 6 wickets in the innings and 9 in the match, breaking India’s resistance across both innings.
How the Match Turned
The visitors took control on Day 2, when Sen Muthusamy and Marco Jansen lifted South Africa from 247/6 to a commanding 489, shifting all momentum in their favour. Jansen later starred with the ball too, troubling Indian batters with steep bounce on the red-soil surface.
Despite criticism for delaying the declaration in the second innings, South Africa’s target proved more than enough. Harmer removed KL Rahul late on Day 4 and ran through the rest of the line-up on the final day.
India’s Biggest Test Defeats (By Runs)
408 runs vs South Africa, 2025 (Guwahati)
342 runs vs Australia, 2004
341 runs vs Pakistan, 2006
337 runs vs Australia, 2007
333 runs vs Australia, 2017
329 runs vs South Africa, 1996
This is also the first time in 21 years that India were set a 500+ chase at home, the last instance being Australia’s 543 in Nagpur (2004).
South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma now joins Hansie Cronje (2000) as only the second SA skipper to win a Test series in India — and remains unbeaten as Test captain
