Guwahati, India – South Africa defeats India 2nd Test by an emphatic 408 runs on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, sealing a 2-0 series victory. The Proteas set a daunting 549-run target after declaring at 260 for five in their second innings. India crumbled to 140 all out in 63.5 overs, with off-spinner Simon Harmer claiming six for 37. The match, part of the ICC World Test Championship, unfolded at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
This result marks India’s historic 408-run loss South Africa, their heaviest home defeat by runs since 2010. Captain Temba Bavuma’s side dominated from the outset, exposing vulnerabilities in India’s batting lineup.
Harmer’s Six-For Sparks India Collapse in 2nd Test
South Africa defeats India 2nd Test with clinical precision on the final day. Resuming at 27 for two, India lost eight wickets for 113 runs. Harmer dismantled the middle order, dismissing KL Rahul for six, Kuldeep Yadav for five, Dhruv Jurel for two, Rishabh Pant for 13, and Washington Sundar for 16. Ravindra Jadeja offered resistance with 54, but Keshav Maharaj stumped him off a turning delivery.
Jadeja’s knock included four boundaries and two sixes, but it could not stem the tide. Mohammed Siraj fell to a stunning catch by Marco Jansen off Maharaj, ending the innings at 140. Harmer finished with match figures of seven for 76, earning praise for his variations on a pitch assisting spin.
The collapse evoked memories of past home struggles, yet highlighted South Africa’s adaptability. India managed only 16 extras, underscoring Harmer’s control. This India historic 408-run loss South Africa underscores the Proteas’ bowling depth.
SA Sweeps Test Series India November with Dominant Display
The victory completes SA sweeps Test series India November, a rare feat on Indian pitches. South Africa posted 489 in their first innings, led by Tony de Zorzi’s 109 and Senuran Muthusamy’s explosive 93. Marco Jansen starred with the ball, taking six for 48 to bowl India out for 201.
In the second dig, South Africa accelerated to 260 for five declared, with Bavuma unbeaten on 94. Ravindra Jadeja claimed four for 62, but it proved insufficient. The target of 549 ranked among the highest in Test history, yet India faltered early.
Jansen, Player of the Match, contributed 93 runs and seven wickets overall. His short-ball tactics troubled India’s batters, including a top-edged dismissal of Jasprit Bumrah. Aiden Markram set a record with nine catches, bolstering the fielding effort.
This SA sweeps Test series India November boosts South Africa’s World Test Championship points tally. They now lead the cycle with 12 points from this fixture, while India earn zero.
India’s Batting Woes Exposed in Guwahati Rout
India’s first innings total of 201 exposed frailties against pace and spin. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 58, but Jansen’s six-for restricted others. Washington Sundar made 48, yet the lower order folded. Kuldeep Yadav battled for 19 off 34 balls, but catches at slip proved costly.
The second innings mirrored the first, with top-order ducks and half-hearted pushes. Sai Sudharsan ground out 14 off 39 balls, but Harmer’s arm ball deceived him. Nitish Kumar Reddy scored a golden duck, caught behind off Harmer.
Harmer six-for India collapse Test became the narrative, with his economy of 1.60 reflecting pitch grip. South Africa’s spinners exploited footmarks, turning the match decisively.
Fielding lapses compounded India’s issues. Dropped catches and misfields allowed South Africa 21 extras in their first innings. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj toiled without reward, conceding 75 and 106 runs respectively.
South Africa’s Bowling Arsenal Overpowers Hosts
South Africa’s attack blended experience and youth. Jansen’s 6/48 in the first innings included four short-ball wickets, targeting Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Keshav Maharaj supported with economical spells, finishing two for 37 in the second dig.
Senuran Muthusamy claimed three in the first innings, including KL Rahul. The unit’s discipline yielded 10 maidens in the final session alone.
Batting contributions underpinned the bowlers. De Zorzi’s century anchored the innings, while Muthusamy’s 93 featured seven sixes. Bavuma’s 94 in the second ensured a declaration with intent.
This performance cements South Africa’s resurgence under Bavuma. Their seamers extracted bounce from a flat track, while spinners thrived post-tea.
Background: Series Context and Road to Guwahati
The tour began with South Africa’s eight-wicket win in the first Test in Kolkata. Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 106 sealed that chase, setting a confident tone. India, missing senior players, fielded a youthful side including Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel.
Guwahati’s pitch, initially batsman-friendly, deteriorated by day four. Rain interruptions on day two limited play, but clear skies on the final day favoured the visitors. The series formed part of the 2023-2027 World Test Championship cycle.
India entered as overwhelming favourites at home, unbeaten in 12 series since 2013. Yet South Africa’s preparation, including spin camps, paid dividends. This India historic 408-run loss South Africa rivals their 434-run defeat to England in 1979, adjusted for inflation.
Why This Matters in South Asia
In South Asia, where cricket reigns supreme, South Africa defeats India 2nd Test reverberates beyond borders. India’s home fortress crumbles, denting national pride and World Test Championship aspirations. Fans in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh dissect the tactics, with memes flooding social media.
The loss prompts introspection on selection and technique against spin. Youngsters like Jaiswal and Sudharsan face scrutiny, yet offer hope for redemption. For South Africa, the sweep elevates their global standing, inspiring emerging talents across the region.
Economically, the series drew record viewership on streaming platforms, boosting ad revenues. Border rivalries amplify interest, with Pakistani outlets covering India’s slump extensively.
What’s Next for Both Sides
South Africa eyes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in December. A strong showing could propel them to WTC final contention. India hosts Bangladesh for two Tests in January, a chance to rebuild momentum. Rohit Sharma’s men must address batting inconsistencies before the away series in England next year.
Coaching staff reviews loom, focusing on spin countermeasures. Bavuma’s leadership, meanwhile, positions South Africa for sustained success. South Africa defeats India 2nd Test leaves an indelible mark, a testament to resilient cricket amid evolving formats.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 26th, 2025
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