Delivering an exceptional performance, South Africa raced to a 408-run win in the second Test against India to complete their first series win in India in 25 years on Wednesday. Simon Harmer produced a career-best 6 for 37 in the final innings and ended the match with a match haul of nine wickets to help South Africa sweep the series 2-0.
The 408-run margin is now the largest defeat by runs the Indian Test team has ever suffered. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, reacting to the win, lauded the team effort and called the victory "sweeter".
"It's not every day that you get to think that you can come to India and walk away with a 2-0 series win. I think what makes it sweeter as well for some of us within the group is the fact that we've been on the other side of the result. We've had tough days, and we know how tough it can be," Bavuma said during the post-match presentation.
Since winning the World Test Championship final, South Africa have been on the rise. Notably, since August 2024, the Proteas have won 14 of their last 15 tests. Bavuma attributed the success to the shift in the mindset.
"There's a big shift in our mindset in terms of what we want to do when we're out there on the field of play. We want to play what is in front of us and adapt accordingly. Our preparation is something that we have upped. Guys go out there quite clear on their roles and what they're trying to do. Then I think, from our unit's point of view, which I probably think is the biggest thing, it's the guys wanting to contribute. There's a strong sense in each other that anyone on their day can do it for the team. As a captain, sometimes it's very hard to take the ball out of the bowler's hands. Everyone wants to continue bowling, and you see it with the batting as well," he said.