How Did Harmer's 6-37 Propel South Africa to a 408-Run Victory Over India?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Simon Harmer achieved remarkable figures of 6-37.
- South Africa secured a historic 408-run victory over India.
- This match marked South Africa's first Test series win in India since 2000.
- India faced their largest defeat in Test history by runs.
- Ravindra Jadeja was India's top scorer with 54 runs.
Guwahati, Nov 26 (NationPress) In a remarkable display, off-spinner Simon Harmer achieved figures of 6-37 as South Africa triumphed with a decisive 408-run victory over India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, clinching a resounding 2-0 series victory on Wednesday.
Facing a daunting target of 549, India was dismissed for 140 on the fifth day, with veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja leading the score with 54. This defeat marked South Africa's largest victory margin over India in Test cricket, and it also signifies their first Test series win in India since 2000.
From the moment South Africa won the toss, they dictated the match's flow, leaving India to reflect on the significant blows to their reputation as a strong home Test team, especially after a 3-0 loss to New Zealand last year.
South Africa struck early in the afternoon session with B Sai Sudharsan failing to defend against the spin of Senuran Muthusamy, leading to an edge caught at slip by Markram, who recorded his eighth catch of the match.
Despite Ravindra Jadeja's efforts to delay the inevitable with some aggressive boundaries, South Africa maintained their pressure. Jadeja reached his half-century in style, hitting Keshav Maharaj for six over deep mid-wicket. However, South Africa continued to take wickets, with Washington Sundar falling to a delivery that marked Markram's record ninth catch, allowing Harmer to achieve his five-wicket haul.
Harmer's sixth wicket came from Nitish Kumar Reddy's ill-fated reverse sweep, which resulted in an easy catch for the wicketkeeper. As victory loomed, Jadeja attempted to advance against Maharaj but was stumped by Kyle Verreynne.
In a fitting finale, Jansen took a stunning one-handed catch running backward to dismiss Mohammed Siraj, igniting joyous celebrations for the South African team as they celebrated a rare Test win on Indian soil.
Brief Scores: South Africa 489 and 260/5d in 78.3 overs (Tristan Stubbs 94; Ravindra Jadeja 4/62) beat 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