South Africa created history on Tuesday by defeating India by a massive 408-run margin in the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, marking the biggest defeat India has ever suffered in Test cricket. The visitors also became the first team in cricket history to beat India by 400+ runs in a Test match.
India, chasing an improbable target of 549, were bundled out for 140 on Day 5 after a dramatic batting collapse. The heavy defeat also sealed a 2-0 series clean sweep, India’s second consecutive home series whitewash in under a year.
South Africa Hand India Their Worst-Ever Test Loss
Before this Test, India’s biggest defeat by runs came against Australia — a 342-run loss in Nagpur in 2008. South Africa shattered that record with a dominant all-round performance.
India’s Worst Defeats in Tests (By Runs)
| Opponent | Runs | Year |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 408 | 2025 (Guwahati) |
| Australia | 342 | 2008 |
| Pakistan | 341 | 2006 |
| Australia | 337 | 2007 |
| Australia | 333 | 2017 |
Indian Cricket Slips Further in WTC Standings
With this loss, India dropped below Pakistan in the World Test Championship table, severely hurting their hopes of reaching the WTC Final. India last lost back-to-back Test series at home way back in 1983–84/85.
India has now suffered three home clean sweeps:
- 0-2 vs South Africa (2000)
- 0-3 vs New Zealand (2024)
- 0-2 vs South Africa (2025)
South Africa’s Dominance Under Temba Bavuma
The victory is South Africa’s second-largest win ever in Test cricket, after their 492-run win against Australia in 2018.
Under captain Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s Test team has seen extraordinary resurgence:
- 11 wins in 12 Tests
- Undefeated in Asia over last three series
- Beat Bangladesh 2-0
- Drew Pakistan 1-1
- Beat India 2-0
Bavuma’s leadership and the team’s ability to succeed on Asian pitches have been hailed as key factors in their recent success.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
