India fell to fifth in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 table after a crushing 408-run loss to South Africa in the second Test in Guwahati, where the visitors completed a 2-0 sweep and inflicted the heaviest defeat in India’s Test history.
South Africa’s win, only their second Test series triumph in India and the first since 2000, lifted them to a 75% points percentage with 36 points from four matches, tightening their hold on second place behind Australia. India, overtaken by Pakistan, dropped to a PCT of 48.15.
Senuran Muthusamy’s 109 and Marco Jansen’s 93 powered South Africa to 489 in the first innings, before Jansen’s 6-48 bowled India out for 201. Opting against the follow-on, the visitors extended their lead to an unassailable position with 260/5 declared, led by Tristan Stubbs’ composed 94.
Simon Harmer, who had excelled in the opening Test in Kolkata, returned match figures of 9-101, including 6-37 on the final day, to dismantle India’s chase. Ravindra Jadeja top-scored for the hosts with 54, but regular strikes from South Africa’s attack ended India’s resistance in the second session.
Aiden Markram added two sharp catches as South Africa closed out a disciplined all-round performance.
