Proteas make WTC gains with historic India series win
South Africa sealed only their second Test series win in India to bolster their position in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 Standings.
A comprehensive win in Guwahati ensured a 2-0 series win for South Africa in India. This marks just the second time that they have achieved a Test series win in the country after 2000.
Meanwhile, the loss by 408 runs marks India’s heaviest defeat (by margin of runs) in Test cricket.
The win has further strengthened South Africa’s position in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 Standings. The defending champions occupy the second position, right behind Australia, with 36 points from their four Tests. Their PCT improves from 66.67 to 75.
On the other hand, India slip below Pakistan in the standings, and are now at the fifth place with their PCT dropping to 48.15.
Marco Jansen gets the big wicket of Travis Head | WTC25 Final
South Africa's Marco Jansen traps Travis Head on the final bowl before Lunch on Day 1.
After a sluggish start on Day One, Senuran Muthusamy (109) and Marco Jansen (93) made crucial lower-order contributions to propel the Proteas to 489 in the first innings.
Jansen continued his magic with the ball, snapping figures of 6/48, as the hosts were bundled out for merely 201.
South Africa chose to not enforce the follow-on, instead extending their advantage to past 500, with Tristan Stubbs (94) leading the way in their third innings total of 260/5 before the declaration.
Simon Harmer, South Africa’s Player of the Match in Kolkata, was at his very best in the second innings as well. Adding to his 3/64 in the first innings, Harmer (6/37) ran through India’s batting line-up on Day 5 morning.
Aiden Markram scores crucial century | Player Highlights | WTC25 Final
South Africa opener Aiden Markram took on the Australia attack and scored a crucial century on Day 3 of the World Test Championship Final at Lord's.
While Sai Sudarshan and Ravindra Jadeja mounted resistance, India’s fight broke in the second session as South Africa’s continued strikes meant that they secured a massive 408-run win in Guwahati. Ravindra Jadeja was the highest run-getter for the hosts with his 54 off 87 deliveries.
Another positive display for the visitors came from Aiden Markram, who stood tall in the field with a couple of stunning catches.
The two teams will now square up in an ODI series starting November 30.
