South Africa Sweep India 2-0 with 408-Run Victory in Guwahati
South Africa routs India by 408 runs in Guwahati to seal a 2-0 series triumph, marking a historic away win and India's heaviest home defeat as the Proteas claim the opener.
In Guwahati, South Africa produced a commanding all-round performance to seal a 2-0 series victory over India, dominating across five days. The win, their second series win in India and the first since 2000, underscored the Proteas' resilience in hostile conditions.
Match snapshot
South Africa 489 (Muthusamy 109; Yadav 4-115) & 260-5d (Stubbs 94; Jadeja 4-62)
India 201 (Jaiswal 58; Jansen 6-48) & 140 (Jadeja 54; Harmer 6-37)
South Africa win by 408 runs
Scorecard
What happened in Guwahati
South Africa declared their second innings on 260-5 on day four, setting India a daunting target of 549. On the final day, India were bowled out for 140 as Ravindra Jadeja battled for 54 and Simon Harmer claimed six wickets. Aiden Markram also contributed with a prolific fielding display, taking nine catches in the match.
It was a superb effort from everyone involved, Markram said later, praising his team for believing they could compete away from home.
Performance highlights
- Harmer took six wickets in India's second innings to anchor SA's bowling performance.
- Jadeja was the lone bright spot for India with a 54 in the second innings.
- Markram's nine catches highlighted excellent fielding work.
- Jansen’s 6-48 in India’s first innings stood out as a key spell for SA.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa sealed a 2-0 series win in India, their first since 2000.
- Harmer's six-wicket haul and a disciplined fielding effort underpinned the victory.
- India's chase was overpowered by SA's bowling, with Jadeja the lone resistance.
Expert comment
Expert note: Analysts highlighted SA's accuracy and pressure-building tactics, along with sharp catching, as decisive factors in the result. India, by contrast, failed to convert early starts into big scores under pressure.
Summary
The second Test in Guwahati ended in a comprehensive victory for South Africa, signaling a new era of away success in Indian conditions. The Proteas bowled with discipline and capitalized on India’s missteps, wrapping up the series with a dominant display. This win cemented SA's status as a formidable challenger in world cricket and extended India's recent home-series struggles.
Key insight: South Africa's precise bowling and steadfast fielding overwhelmed India, underscoring their strength in away conditions. Source.