South Africa created history on Tuesday as they clinched their first Test series victory on Indian soil in 25 years, completing a commanding 2–0 triumph with resounding wins in Kolkata and Guwahati. Entering Day 5 of the second Test needing just eight wickets, the Proteas wrapped up the match in a little over a session, displaying the same discipline and control that defined their entire tour.
Simon Harmer was the star of the final day, picking up six wickets and dismantling India’s already struggling batting order. Temba Bavuma continued his excellent run with the bat, maintaining his unbeaten streak throughout the series. Meanwhile, Aiden Markram etched his name in the record books with the most catches by an outfielder in a single Test match.
For India, the series was a story of missed opportunities, tactical missteps, and prolonged lapses in concentration. From the opening defeat in Kolkata—where India remarkably failed to chase a mere 124—to the second Test where they appeared outplayed and out-thought, the hosts never managed to rise to the South African challenge. The Proteas deployed a slow, systematic, grinding style of cricket, and India’s repeated errors only made the visitors’ job easier.
At the start of Day 5, India faced an improbable target—522 runs—requiring a scoring rate of over six runs per over throughout the day while already two wickets down. For a side that couldn’t chase 124 just days earlier, even the idea of a miracle comeback seemed unrealistic. The only viable approach was survival: play for time, salvage a draw, secure a few valuable WTC points, and then reassess ahead of their next Test assignment.
South Africa, however, had no intention of letting the momentum slip. They have built a reputation for being strong travellers, and this series showcased that strength abundantly. Bavuma’s leadership, Harmer’s precision, and the team’s collective resilience left India without answers. With control of the match firmly in their grasp and India low on confidence, the Proteas completed a well-deserved sweep that accurately reflects their dominance across both Tests.
As India look inward for solutions, South Africa return home with a historic achievement and renewed confidence in their path forward.