South Africa secured a historic Test series victory in India for the first time in 25 years, inflicting India’s worst-ever home defeat in the format. The triumph was sealed on the final day as South Africa’s disciplined batting and incisive bowling dismantled the hosts at Guwahati.

The defining partnership came from Stubbs and de Zorzi, who added a crucial 101 runs for the fourth wicket. They scored briskly, with 41 runs coming through sweeps and reverse sweeps. De Zorzi narrowly missed a half-century, dismissed on the sweep shot, while Stubbs pressed on steadily, eventually ending as the series’ highest run-getter with 163 runs. Despite his efforts, South Africa’s lead exceeded 542, surpassing Australia’s highest in Nagpur in 2004.

India’s batting, especially the openers, faltered when South Africa’s bowlers strategically bowled short, exploiting the deteriorating pitch conditions. Jansen’s short-pitched bowling troubled Jaiswal, who fell victim once more to his favoured cut shot – his seventh dismissal by this shot, a notable pattern in his Test career. Meanwhile, Rahul adopted a defensive approach, scoring just six runs off 30 balls in an attempt to salvage a draw. However, the opposition’s spinners, particularly Harmer, maintained relentless pressure, taking 12 wickets in the series to match Jansen’s tally.

A crucial moment came when Sudharsan survived a potential lbw decision after the ball tracking showed umpire’s call, sparing him despite replays suggesting an inside edge. Despite such escapes, India’s resistance was fragile, and the visitors had six hours to claim eight wickets.

The deteriorating light conditions, which worsened by 4 pm daily, prevented any added play and heightened the tension. Ultimately, South Africa’s composed approach with both bat and ball ensured they dominated proceedings and completed a rare series win on Indian soil.