In a stunning display of dominance, South Africa inflicted India's heaviest-ever defeat on home soil, securing a colossal 408-run victory in the second Test in Guwahati to complete a memorable 2-0 series sweep.
The triumph was sealed on the final day, Wednesday 26 November 2025, when the Proteas bowled India out for a mere 140 runs. The hosts, set a mammoth and improbable target of 549, crumbled under pressure, with only Ravindra Jadeja offering significant resistance with a battling 54.
Harmer's Heroics and Markram's Masterclass
The final day belonged to off-spinner Simon Harmer, who produced a devastating spell to claim 6-37. His performance dismantled the Indian batting line-up and was instrumental in the comprehensive victory. Harmer's series tally of 17 wickets earned him the well-deserved player-of-the-series award.
Complementing the bowling attack was a world-class fielding display from Aiden Markram. The South African fielder set a new record, taking an incredible nine catches in the match. His safe hands were a constant threat to the Indian batters and exemplified the team's sharpness in the field.
India's Final Day Collapse
Starting the day needing to bat out three sessions for a draw, India's hopes quickly faded. Overnight batters Sai Sudharsan and Kuldeep Yadav struggled from the outset. While Sudharsan enjoyed a reprieve due to a Marco Jansen no-ball and Yadav was dropped by Markram in a rare error, their resistance was short-lived.
The match turned decisively when Harmer delivered a devastating two-wicket over, clean bowling Kuldeep and then having Dhruv Jurel caught behind, with Markram making no mistake with the catch this time.
Indian captain Rishabh Pant attempted a counter-attack, hitting spinner Keshav Maharaj for a four and a six. However, his aggression led to his downfall as he was caught by Markram off Harmer's bowling. Senuran Muthusamy eventually ended Sudharsan's patient 139-ball innings, and any lingering hopes of a draw vanished when Maharaj stumped Jadeja.
Reflecting on the heavy loss, stand-in skipper Pant stated, "As a team we need to get better and you have to give credit to the opposition because they played better than us."
A Landmark Victory for the Proteas
This victory, following their win in the opening Test in Kolkata inside three days, marks a significant achievement for the reigning world test champions. It underscores their ability to compete and triumph in challenging conditions abroad.
An elated Aiden Markram summed up the team's sentiment, saying, "It's a great feeling, a great effort by everyone to be fair. As a group, you've got to believe that you can compete against the best in their backyard and get into the battle and see where it gets you... bloody proud of the team."
The series sweep will be remembered as one of South Africa's finest overseas accomplishments, built on a foundation of clinical bowling, exceptional fielding, and resilient batting.
