The India vs South Africa Test series ended in extraordinary fashion as India crumbled to their biggest home Test defeat, suffering a 408-run hammering in Guwahati. South Africa completed a 2-0 sweep and secured their first series win in India since 1999, ending a drought of 25 years.
India began Day 5 with faint hopes of survival, but those hopes vanished quickly. They needed to bat out four sessions, yet they managed only 140 runs in the second innings. The collapse exposed technical flaws, decision-making errors, and a complete lack of composure against disciplined South African bowling.
The backdrop carried extra tension after the opposition coach’s remark — “really wanted to make them grovel” — but India failed to produce a response worthy of the challenge.
Harmer Turns Guwahati into a Masterclass
Simon Harmer delivered one of the finest visiting spin performances in India. On a fifth-day pitch that rewarded precision, Harmer produced drift, sharp dip, and natural variation to return figures of 6 for 37 in 23 overs. His consistency made India’s batting appear clueless on a surface that demanded tight technique.
Harmer had already claimed eight wickets in Kolkata. In Guwahati, he elevated his impact even further. He beat Kuldeep Yadav with a classic off-spinner that straightened. Moments later, debutant Dhruv Jurel edged a slider and completed an unfortunate pair.
Rishabh Pant attempted to lift the innings with a brief counterattack, lofting Keshav Maharaj into the stands. But Harmer ended his resistance with a rising off-break that ballooned off the shoulder of Pant’s bat and into Aiden Markram’s hands.
India’s Lower Order Fades Under Pressure
Sai Sudharsan battled through several close calls, surviving a Jansen no-ball and a dropped catch, but eventually edged Senuran Muthusamy. Washington Sundar tried to rebuild, yet Harmer trapped him with another perfectly executed delivery that gave Markram his ninth catch of the match — a world record.
Nitish Reddy gloved a reverse sweep to the keeper. Ravindra Jadeja fought alone and top-scored with 53, showing clarity and intent lacking from others. His dismissal, stumped off Maharaj after going for a big hit, ended India’s final resistance. Mohammed Siraj fell soon after as Marco Jansen took a spectacular one-handed catch at long-on.
A Series to Forget for India
The defeat marked India’s fifth loss in their last seven home Tests, an alarming trend for a team once unbeatable in home conditions. South Africa, meanwhile, showcased discipline, patience, and superior adaptability throughout the series.
Their 408-run win in Guwahati was not just dominant — it was historic.
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