South Africa on Verge of Historic Test Series Triumph in India After 25-Year Wait

South Africa stands one victory away from cricket history. The Proteas need only to avoid defeat in the ongoing second Test in Guwahati to secure their first series win on Indian soil since 1999/2000. This would end a remarkable 25-year drought against India in their home conditions.

According to ESPNcricinfo, South Africa dominated day three at Barsapara Cricket Stadium. They built an imposing 456-run lead with seven wickets remaining. The visitors already lead the two-match series 1-0 after their dramatic 30-run victory in Kolkata.

How Marco Jansen’s Heroics Pushed India to the Brink

Fast bowler Marco Jansen produced a career-defining performance on Monday. His figures of 6-48 dismantled India’s second innings, bowling them out for just 201. Jansen’s fiery spell exploited the deteriorating pitch perfectly.

The 2.08-meter tall all-rounder had already contributed significantly with the bat. He smashed 84 runs in South Africa’s first innings total of 489. This made him the first South African to score a half-century and take six wickets in the same Test match in India.

Jansen’s performance ranks among the best by visiting fast bowlers in India. Only Lance Klusener’s 8-64 in 1996 stands above it historically. His efforts have put South Africa in an almost unassailable position heading into day four.

The Weight of History Behind This Potential Victory

South Africa’s last series victory in India came under Hansie Cronje’s leadership. That 2-0 triumph during the 1999/2000 tour remains their only series win in India this century. Since then, India has maintained an intimidating home record against all comers.

The current World Test Champions have shown remarkable resilience throughout this tour. They previously defeated Australia in the World Test Championship final earlier this year. Now they’re demonstrating that global dominance extends to cricket’s most challenging away destination.

India’s batting lineup has struggled consistently against South Africa’s varied attack. Both Tests have seen the home team collapse at crucial moments. Their inability to handle pressure situations has proven costly throughout the series.

What Needs to Happen for South Africa to Make History

South Africa will likely bat for another hour on day four. They’ll aim to extend their lead beyond 500 runs before declaring. This would leave India chasing an unprecedented target with ample time remaining.

The weather forecast shows clear conditions for the final two days. This eliminates any hope India might have had for a weather-assisted draw. The pitch continues to favor bowlers, particularly the tall fast bowlers like Jansen.

India’s only realistic path to saving the series involves batting for nearly two full days. Given their first innings collapse to 201 all out, this appears highly unlikely. The psychological advantage clearly rests with the visiting team.

South Africa’s potential Test series win in India would represent one of their greatest overseas achievements in modern cricket. It would cement their status as genuine world champions across all conditions.

Thought you’d like to know

When did South Africa last win a Test series in India?

South Africa’s last series victory in India came during the 1999/2000 tour. They won that series 2-0 under captain Hansie Cronje, meaning they’ve waited 25 years for another chance at series victory on Indian soil.

What is the current series situation?

South Africa leads the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs. They need only to avoid defeat in the second Test in Guwahati to secure the series victory and make history.

Who has been the standout performer for South Africa?

Marco Jansen has been exceptional, taking 6-48 in India’s second innings and scoring 84 runs with the bat. His all-round performance has been crucial to South Africa’s dominant position in the decisive second Test.

How does this affect the World Test Championship?

This series contributes valuable points toward the next World Test Championship cycle. A series victory would give South Africa significant momentum and positioning early in the new championship period.

What makes winning in India so difficult?

India possesses one of cricket’s strongest home records, having lost only three Test series at home since 2000. Their spinning tracks and passionate home crowds create one of sport’s most challenging environments for visiting teams.