After 25 years, South Africa defeated India 2-0 in the series thanks to an incredible spell from Simon Harmer, who claimed a six-wicket haul that was crucial to the team’s dominant 408-run victory in the second Test. On a difficult surface in Guwahati, his unrelenting accuracy and control destroyed India’s batting lineup, leaving the hosts with no answers.
Guwahati Test Updates: In the WTC rankings, India lags behind Pakistan
India’s World Test Championship campaign has been severely damaged by their 0-2 series loss to South Africa, which has dropped them to No. 5 in the rankings and even below bitter rivals Pakistan. India’s WTC points percentage has significantly declined following consecutive home series defeats, making their journey to the final more difficult.
Guwahati Test Updates: Gambhir’s India loses easily
Once the ultimate goal for visiting teams in Test cricket, defeating India in India was dubbed the “last frontier” by Steve Waugh, who himself never succeeded in doing so. That once-impossible accomplishment now appears to be available at a low cost, almost like a package deal that includes a plane ticket.
Without Kane Williamson, New Zealand crushed India 3-0, and South Africa did the same without Kagiso Rabada.
Guwahati Test Updates: As the captain of SA, Bavuma writes history
Temba Bavuma has now joined the elite group of South Africa, who haven’t won a Test series on Indian soil in 25 long years—the last one occurred under Hansie Cronje’s leadership in 2000.
Bavuma ended the drought and maintained his undefeated record as Test captain by leading his team to a historic 2-0 victory, which was a pivotal moment in his tenure.
South Africa’s supremacy has only increased since the World Test Championship final, with an unparalleled run throughout South Asia.
Last year, they broke through barriers in Bangladesh with decisive victories in Dhaka and Chattogram. Just last month, they defeated Pakistan in Rawalpindi, and now they have shocked India with victories in Kolkata and Guwahati.
IND vs SA, 2nd Test Updates: What a proud man Shukri Conrad is!
Coach Shuki Conrad gives captain Temba Bavuma a heartfelt hug as he returns to the dugout, a fitting moment that encapsulates the scope of South Africa’s accomplishment. Together, they had overseen a historic victory that completed a remarkable turnaround in South African cricket and sealed India’s biggest Test defeat by runs.
IND vs SA, 2nd Test Updates: India has been whitewashed by South Africa
With a spectacular catch that ended India’s collapse at 140, Marco Jansen completed a stunning 2-0 series whitewash in Guwahati and confirmed a massive 408-run victory in the second Test.
When Mohammed Siraj mishandled a shot due to Keshav Maharaj, Jansen made an incredible diving grab that left even the South Africans in shock as they erupted in celebration.
With South Africa demonstrating superior discipline, intensity, and execution to write a historic victory on Indian soil, the dismissal encapsulated India’s struggles throughout the series.
Guwahati Test Updates: Ravindra Jadeja leaves for 54
When Ravindra Jadeja charged down the track in search of another big hit, Keshav Maharaj beat him in flight, ending his fighting knock. As the third umpire confirmed Jadeja’s death, Kyle Verreynne made no mistakes behind the stumps, quickly whipping off the bails. The all-rounder scored a solid 54 off 87 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, despite having dirt all over his jersey from the frantic dive back. With his dismissal, India is now nine down and facing an impending loss, with the end clearly in sight for the home team.
IND vs SA Updates: Bumrah joins Jadeja in the center
With India in serious trouble, Jasprit Bumrah appeared optimistic as soon as he entered the game. Sen Muthusamy moved to his left to stop a full delivery from Harmer, and Bumrah slog-swept it wide of deep midwicket for a single. After that, Harmer hit a flatter ball on off, back of a length, which Bumrah successfully handled from the crease. As South Africa gets closer to completing the task, India is currently just trying to survive and take what they can.
Guwahati Test Updates: Nitish Reddy leaves, and Simon Harmer selects his sixth
Harmer strikes again, removing Nitish Reddy with a straightforward catch to the keeper after the ball ballooned off the glove, and India is now staring down the barrel. The young player tried a reverse sweep to a looping delivery outside off, but he was never able to get close to it. The slight contact sent it straight up, making it easy for Verreynne to pouch. That brings Harmer’s total to six. He is still destroying India with incredible skill and control.