South Africa has secured a decisive 2-0 series victory over India, concluding the second Test in Guwahati with a resounding 408-run win. The triumph was spearheaded by a dominant bowling display from off-spinner Simon Harmer, who claimed six wickets for 37 runs in the final innings.
Set an imposing target of 549 runs to win, India’s batting lineup faltered, dismissed for 140 during the second session of the final day. Only Ravindra Jadeja offered prolonged resistance, scoring a fighting 54. The visitors’ fielding was equally formidable, highlighted by Aiden Markram’s nine catches in the match—a new record for a fielder in a Test.
Reflecting on the achievement, Markram praised the collective effort, stating the team’s belief in competing against top opposition in challenging conditions was key to their success. The victory follows a similarly emphatic win in the first Test in Kolkata, which concluded within three days.
Beginning the final day with hopes of securing a draw, India’s resolve quickly unraveled. Despite a few early reprieves—including a no-ball and a dropped chance—the batting order collapsed under sustained pressure. Harmer’s pivotal two-wicket over effectively broke the backbone of the innings, removing Kuldeep Yadav and Dhruv Jurel in quick succession.
India’s stand-in captain, Rishabh Pant, attempted a counterattack but fell soon after, with Markram taking another sharp catch. The resistance ended when Jadeja was stumped off the bowling of Keshav Maharaj, sealing the result.
Harmer, named Player of the Series for his 17 wickets across both matches, was instrumental in the visitors’ success. In his post-match remarks, Pant acknowledged the need for his side to improve and credited South Africa for their superior performance throughout the series.