South Africa delivered one of their greatest overseas performances, whitewashing India 0-2 to claim their first Test series victory on Indian soil in 25 years.
The hosts suffered a humiliating defeat in front of their home crowd, losing the second Test by a massive 408-run margin.
The emphatic result has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, marking a rare setback for India in a format they have long dominated at home.
India crumble under huge fourth-innings target
Chasing an improbable 549-run target, the Indian batting lineup collapsed for just 140 runs in the second innings. Only Ravindra Jadeja offered resistance with a fighting 54-run half-century, but it was nowhere near enough to change the outcome.
South African off-spinner Simon Harmer was the chief destroyer, grabbing 6 wickets in the final innings. Across the match, Harmer completed 9 dismissals, capping a sensational series that earned him the Player of the Series award.
Dominant South African batting
South Africa controlled the match from the very beginning. They piled up 489 runs in the first innings, powered by a brilliant century from lower-order batter Senuran Muthusamy.
The visitors continued their dominance by declaring their second innings at 260 for 5, setting India a fourth-innings mountain they never came close to climbing.
Marco Jansen’s lethal spell in the first innings — where he dismissed six Indian batters — ensured India were restricted to 201 runs, giving the Proteas a commanding advantage early in the match.
Player of the Match
For his all-round impact and crucial breakthroughs, Marco Jansen was declared the Player of the Match. His incisive bowling set the tone for South Africa’s control throughout the Test.
Indian captain admits disappointment
Indian captain Rishabh Pant expressed deep disappointment after the series defeat, acknowledging that the team failed to capitalize on key moments.
“As a team, we have to improve,” Pant said after the loss. “Credit to South Africa, they played better than us. At times, we were ahead in the game, but we did not take advantage of the opportunity.”
Pant emphasized the need for learning and improvement, calling the result a wake-up call for the squad.
Landmark victory for Proteas
The 2-0 whitewash marks a monumental achievement for South Africa, ending a wait of more than two decades for a Test series win in India. With both their bowlers and batters performing at peak levels, the visitors outplayed India in every department.
The series will likely be remembered as one of South Africa’s most commanding performances away from home — and one of India’s most surprising collapses on their own turf.
