South Africa Crushes India by 408 Runs to Seal Historic Series Victory

Guwahti – South Africa demolished India by 408 runs in the second Test in Guwahati on Wednesday, sealing a 2-0 series sweep and handing the hosts their heaviest-ever Test defeat by runs. It was South Africa’s first Test series win on Indian soil in 25 years, marking only their second triumph in the country after the 2000 victory under Hansie Cronje.

India set a daunting target of 549, but collapsed to 140 in their second innings on day five. Off-spinner Simon Harmer was the star of the match, claiming 6-37 as India suffered their fifth loss in seven home Tests, continuing a worrying downward spiral after last year’s 3-0 whitewash by New Zealand.

South Africa’s dominant performance was shaped by both spin and pace. Marco Jansen delivered a standout all-round display, smashing a blistering 93 with the bat before taking 6-48 in India’s first innings. He was named player of the match for his decisive contribution. “Winning a Test match and series in India is very special,” Jansen said. “Very well done to everyone for putting their hand up and making this happen.”

India’s struggles began early when they lost the first Test in Kolkata inside three days on a pitch with unpredictable bounce. In Guwahati, where conditions favoured batting, South Africa beat India with their own strength: spin. Ravindra Jadeja provided the only resistance with a gritty 54 before Keshav Maharaj dismissed him through a sharp stumping and later took the final wicket, ending India’s faint hopes.

South Africa had declared their second innings at 260-5 on day four, forcing India into a record chase that never gained momentum. Captain Rishabh Pant admitted that India failed to seize key moments, saying, “Whether you’re playing at home or away, cricket demands determination and extra effort. As a batting unit, you need to capitalise on certain moments. As a team, we didn’t do that.”

India briefly rode their luck when Jansen overstepped on a delivery that had dismissed Sai Sudharsan, and Aiden Markram dropped Kuldeep Yadav off Harmer. But the reprieves were short-lived. Harmer bowled Kuldeep for five, dismissed Dhruv Jurel two balls later, and removed Pant as India crumbled to 58-5.

South Africa had earlier posted 489 in their first innings, led by Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden Test century, a superb 109, before bowling India out for 201 to secure a commanding 288-run lead. Instead of enforcing the follow-on, they opted to bat again and stretch the target beyond India’s reach.

With this victory, South Africa not only secured a rare series win in India but also exposed major gaps in India’s home dominance, raising serious questions about the team’s form ahead of upcoming international fixtures.