Harmer’s Spin Masterclass Delivers South Africa Historic 2-0 Series Whitewash Over India

Guwahati, India – South Africa completed a historic and emphatic series sweep against India on Tuesday, bowling the hosts out for 140 on the fifth day to claim a massive 408-run victory. The result seals a 2-0 series win—the Proteas’ first Test series triumph in India in 25 years—and highlights a worrying decline in India’s once-impenetrable home record.

Harmer Dims India’s Hopes

The final day’s script was masterfully directed by off-spinner Simon Harmer, who delivered a career-defining performance that dismantled the remnants of India’s batting lineup.

The Final Tally: Harmer tore through the order, registering figures of 6 wickets for just 37 runs—his first five-wicket haul on Indian soil after several close attempts.

Early Blows: Harmer struck immediately, removing night-watchman Kuldeep Yadav and Dhruv Jurel in the same over to expose the fragile middle order.

Crucial Dismissal: India’s fate was sealed when Harmer found the splice of Captain Rishabh Pant’s bat, the ball kicking up from the rough to loop gently to a waiting slip fielder.

Markram Sets Field Record

The pressure was intensified by an exceptional display of fielding. Aiden Markram equaled the world record of eight catches in a single Test match before going on to break it with his final dismissal of Washington Sundar, who was caught edging the off-spinner.

Collapse and Brief Resistance

India, needing an effective chase of 522 runs, never came close, folding to their heaviest home defeat by runs in the 21st century.

• Final Resistance: Only Ravindra Jadeja provided any meaningful defense, scoring 54 runs. His subsequent dismissal, stumped off Keshav Maharaj, symbolized the crushing weight of the chase.
• Series Statistics: The defeat extends a troubling streak for India, who have now lost five of their last seven home Tests after an incredible 12-year unbeaten run.

Player of the Match Marco Jansen, who scored 93 runs and took 5 wickets earlier in the match, was fittingly part of the final act, taking a sensational catch to finish the game. South Africa’s victory signals a significant shift in the balance of power in Test cricket.

IMAGE CREDITS : CRICBUZZ