South Africa's cricket team delivered a masterclass performance to complete a comprehensive 2-0 series sweep against India, securing a massive 408-run victory in the second Test at Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
Harmer's Spin Magic Decimates Indian Batting
The match reached its climax when off-spinner Simon Harmer produced a devastating spell, claiming six wickets for just 37 runs to dismantle India's batting lineup. Chasing an improbable target of 549 runs, the hosts were bundled out for 140 during the second session on the final day, with only Ravindra Jadeja offering meaningful resistance with a fighting 54.
Record-Breaking Fielding and Dominant Declaration
The Proteas had earlier set up their victory with commanding batting displays, posting 489 in their first innings before declaring their second at 260-5. Aiden Markram created history by taking a record nine catches in the match, showcasing exceptional fielding prowess that complemented South Africa's bowling dominance perfectly.
"It's a great feeling, a great effort by everyone to be fair," Markram commented after the match. "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."
India's Final Day Collapse
India began the final day needing to bat through three sessions to salvage a draw, but their hopes quickly faded. Despite brief reprieves for overnight batsmen Sai Sudharsan and Kuldeep Yadav, the turning point came when Harmer delivered a decisive two-wicket over, clean bowling Kuldeep before having Dhruv Jurel caught behind.
Captain Rishabh Pant attempted to counter-attack with some aggressive strokes against spinner Keshav Maharaj, but his dismissal to another sharp catch by Markram effectively ended India's resistance. The defeat marked a disappointing conclusion to the series for the world Test champions, who had also lost the opening Test in Kolkata within three days.
Harmer's series tally of 17 wickets earned him the player-of-the-series award, while Pant acknowledged the need for improvement, stating: "As a team we need to get better and you have to give credit to the opposition because they played better than us."
