South Africa completes clean sweep over India

South Africa completed a 2-0 series sweep against India in the 2025 Test series with a 408-run victory in the second Test at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. 

This win marked South Africa’s first series triumph in India in 25 years and was their clearest margin of victory in recent times. 

Batting first in the second Test, South Africa posted an imposing total of 489 runs in their first innings, setting the tone early.

Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden Test century (109 runs) laid a solid foundation at the crease, helping the visitors build a large scoreboard. The Proteas later declared their second innings at 260 for 5, adding to India’s mounting challenge.

India’s batting was shaky under the persistent attack from South Africa’s bowling unit. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen excelled, with Rabada’s pace troubling Indian batsmen at every turn. 

The visitors bowled India out for just 201 in the first innings, establishing a 288-run lead. The pressure intensified when India had to chase an extraordinary target of 549 runs in the fourth innings.

The second innings collapse for India was dramatic. Spinner Simon Harmer was the standout bowler for South Africa, running through the Indian batting lineup with six wickets, including key dismissals early in the innings. India could only muster 140 runs before being bowled out, handing South Africa the victory by 408 runs. 

Ravindra Jadeja was the lone resilient batsman in the final innings with a gritty 54, but the rest of the lineup struggled to get through the Proteas attack.

This series victory is proof of South Africa’s ability to shift with foreign conditions and sustain the action over multiple sessions. 

The bowlers were relentless, taking advantage of the pitch conditions expertly. Meanwhile, the batsmen were patient over long periods, particularly in the first innings of the second Test.

South Africa’s performance over the two Tests revealed a well-rounded team effort, with contributions from both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

India, on home soil, confronted a challenging tour, unable to counter South Africa’s polished cricket performances. The 2-0 clean sweep is a clear message from South Africa’s resurgence in Test cricket and leaves India with much to reconsider moving forward in their Test campaigns.