South Africa delivered a record-breaking performance in Guwahati on Wednesday, inflicting India’s heaviest-ever defeat by runs to complete a commanding 2-0 series sweep. The Proteas won the second Test by 408 runs, marking only their second series triumph on Indian soil and their first since 2000 under Hansie Cronje.
India’s previous record defeat came in 2004, when they lost by 342 runs to Australia in Nagpur. In the second Test, South Africa declared their second innings at 260-5 on day four, setting India an imposing target of 549 runs. However, the hosts were bowled out for 140 in 63.5 overs on the final day, with Ravindra Jadeja top-scoring with a gritty 54. Spinner Simon Harmer led the Proteas’ attack with six wickets, while Aiden Markram made history by taking nine catches, a record in Indian conditions.
“It’s a great feeling, a great effort by everyone to be fair,” Markram said 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… proud of the team.”
South Africa had also edged India in the series opener in Kolkata by 30 runs. This defeat marks a rare home series loss for India, who had not suffered such a setback on home soil for 12 years prior to October’s 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand.
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