How Did Harmer's 6-37 Propel SA to a 408-Run Victory Over India?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Simon Harmer's
- South Africa achieved their largest winning margin against India in Test history.
- The match marked a significant milestone for South Africa, being their first series win in India since 2000.
- India's performance at home raises concerns about their current form.
- Ravindra Jadeja's fighting innings highlighted individual brilliance amidst the team's struggles.
Guwahati, Nov 26 (NationPress) Off-spinner Simon Harmer delivered an outstanding performance with figures of 6-37 as South Africa achieved an impressive 408-run triumph over India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. This victory ensured a decisive 2-0 series whitewash on Wednesday.
Facing a target of 549, India was dismissed for 140 on the fifth day, with veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja leading the scoring with 54. This match marked South Africa's heaviest defeat of India in terms of runs in Test matches. As the reigning World Test Championship holder, South Africa celebrated their first Test series win in India since 2000.
Furthermore, South Africa established a new record for their largest winning margin against India in Test cricket. From the moment South Africa won the toss, everything unfolded in their favor, leaving India to reflect on the impact of their fortress-like reputation at home, which has taken a significant hit following last year's 3-0 loss to New Zealand.
South Africa struck early in the fifth ball of the afternoon session when B Sai Sudharsan, who had been cautiously defending, attempted to drive but edged to slip, where Markram made his eighth catch of the match.
Ravindra Jadeja attempted to delay the inevitable with aggressive shots, reaching his fifty in style by hitting Keshav Maharaj for six over deep mid-wicket. However, South Africa continued to chip away at the wickets, with Washington Sundar falling to a quicker delivery caught by Markram, who achieved a record ninth catch, granting Harmer his five-wicket haul.
Harmer secured his sixth wicket when Nitish Kumar Reddy attempted a reverse sweep, which resulted in an easy catch for the wicketkeeper. South Africa was on the brink of victory when Jadeja danced down the pitch against Maharaj but was outsmarted in the air, leading to a swift stumping by Kyle Verreynne.
In a fitting conclusion, Jansen took a spectacular one-handed catch while running backward to dismiss Mohammed Siraj, igniting celebrations in the South African camp as they relished the achievement of defeating India on their home ground for only the second time in Tests.
Brief Scores: South Africa 489 and 260/5d in 78.3 overs (Tristan Stubbs 94; Ravindra Jadeja 4/62) defeated India 201 and 140 in 63.5 overs (Ravindra Jadeja 54, Washington Sundar 16; Simon Harmer 6-37, Keshav Maharaj 2-37) by 408 runs.