South Africa completed one of their most commanding Test wins on Indian soil, crushing the hosts by 408 runs to wrap up a 2–0 series sweep at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Off-spinner Simon Harmer delivered a sensational 6-37 as India, chasing an improbable 549, folded for 140 on the final day.
The result marked South Africa’s first Test series win in India since 2000 and handed India their heaviest defeat by runs in Test cricket. It was also South Africa’s second consecutive clean sweep after being whitewashed by New Zealand earlier in the season — a remarkable turnaround befitting reigning World Test Champions.
Bavuma: “It’s Massive… Not Every Day You Win 2–0 in India”
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hailed the victory as a defining moment for his side.
It’s massive. For me personally, being out of the game for a couple of months due to injury. It’s not every day you can think of coming to India and win 2-0.
“As a group, we’ve had top days, and we know how tough we can be. This answers some questions that were posed to us as a group. Big shift in our mindset in terms of what we want to do out there.”
Bavuma highlighted clarity and contribution as the backbone of the triumph.
Our preparation was apt, the guys were clear on their roles. There was a strong sense that anyone can contribute on their day, even guys coming from the bench like Muthusamy. As a team, we’re in a good space.
India Left Searching for Answers
For India, the loss extends a troubling trend after their 3–0 home defeat to New Zealand last year. Stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant admitted the side failed to seize key moments.
It’s a little disappointing. As a team, we need to get better. Credit to the opposition for playing better than us. They dominated the series.
“We’re playing at home, and sometimes we were up in the game, but we didn’t capitalise. Whether you’re playing at home or away, cricket demands determination and extra effort. The positives from this series will be to focus on our own plan.”
Harmer’s Spell Breaks India’s Resistance
India resumed on 27/2, but early luck, an overstep that saved B Sai Sudharsan, and a dropped slip chance for Kuldeep Yadav, did not translate into momentum. Once Harmer found his rhythm, the collapse followed quickly.
He breached Kuldeep’s defence with a straighter ball, then dismissed Dhruv Jurel three balls later. Rishabh Pant provided brief fireworks, launching Keshav Maharaj for a six before falling for 13 to extra bounce from Harmer. Sudharsan battled with grit, surviving another drop by Markram, but fell after tea for the third South African strike of the session.
Ravindra Jadeja played a lone hand, striking a fighting 54 that included a towering six off Maharaj. But Harmer chipped away relentlessly, completing a well-deserved five-for before adding a sixth by removing Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Harmer: “Nice to Finally Get a Five-For in India”
Harmer reflected emotionally on a redemptive performance.
It’s been a long road, 10 years later back here, and a completely different feeling. I’m going to leave with fonder memories compared to the last time.
“Getting over the line as a team over this Indian team is a hell of an effort. The ball that Rishabh got showed how the pitch was. Nice to finally get a five-for in India.”
He also praised his teammates’ catching: “There were some sharp catches in the slips from Aiden and a couple from Jansen in the end.”
Jansen: Player of the Match and the Final Statement
Marco Jansen, whose all-round contributions earned him Player of the Match, sealed the win with a spectacular one-handed catch running backwards to dismiss Mohammed Siraj.
Winning a Test match and series in India is very special. We just spoke about doing the simple things well, assessing conditions, changing our plan and sticking to what works.
He credited head coach Shukri Conrad for unlocking his confidence: “Shuks told me to go out there and express myself. We’re always trying to improve, we play for each other and give our best.”
Brief Scores: South Africa 489 and 260/5d in 78.3 overs (Tristan Stubbs 94; Ravindra Jadeja 4-62) beat India 201 and 140 all out in 63.5 overs (Ravindra Jadeja 54, Washington Sundar 16; Simon Harmer 6-37, Keshav Maharaj 2-37) by 408 runs.
