How did the 2nd Test go between India vs South Africa? — Review, Turning Points & more

South Africa scripted history by whitewashing India 2-0 in the Test series, clinching the second Test by a massive 408 runs to lift the trophy in Guwahati.

After posting 489 runs in the first innings, powered by brilliant batting performances from Senuran Muthusamy and Marco Jansen, the visitors took firm control of the match. India were bowled out for 201, with Jansen dismantling them through his steep bounce and accuracy.

In their second innings, South Africa declared at 260, with Tristan Stubbs top-scoring with 94 to set India an improbable 549-run target. The hosts faltered once again, getting bundled out for 140, as Simon Harmer delivered a superb spell to secure yet another home series defeat for India.

Top batting performance of the match - Senuran Muthusamy

South Africa had valuable contributions from Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen, but it was Senuran Muthusamy whostood out. He scored a superb 109 off 206 balls, featuring 10 fours and two sixes, to lead the Proteas’ scoring in the first innings. His century played a crucial role in helping the visitors establish a commanding lead in the second Test.

Top bowling performance of the match — Simon Harmer

Right-arm spinner Simon Harmer was the standout bowler of the match, delivering crucial performances in both innings. In the first innings, he picked up 3/64, complementing Marco Jansen’s six-wicket haul. Harmer then came out even stronger on the final day, producing a devastating spell of 6/37 in the second innings, finishing with exceptional match figures of 9/101.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

• Aiden Markram created history by taking nine catches in the Test match, the most by a non-wicketkeeper in a single Test. The previous record was held by Ajinkya Rahane, who took eight catches in Galle in 2015.
• South Africa also achieved a historic milestone by winning a Test series in India for the first time in 25 years. Their last series win on Indian soil came in 2000 under Hansie Cronje’s captaincy, and now Temba Bavuma has replicated the feat.
• Simon Harmer’s 17 wickets in the series are the most by a South African bowler in a Test series in India, surpassing Dale Steyn’s 15 wickets in 2008.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Marco Jansen was awarded the Player of the Match in the second Test in Guwahati. He scored a blistering 93 off 91 balls in the first innings and followed it up with an outstanding spell of 6/48, making his all-round contribution invaluable and earning him the accolade.

Who was the Player of the Series?

Simon Harmer won the Player of the Series award for his 17 wickets across two Tests at an exceptional average of 8.94. His spells were consistently game-changing, troubling the Indian batters throughout the series. He registered two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul, underscoring his dominance with the ball.

When is the next match?

India and South Africa will now face off in a three-match ODI series, with the first game scheduled to take place in Ranchi on November 30.