SA hand India biggest defeat to clinch historic series win

Spinner Simon Harmer took six wickets as South Africa thrashed India by 408 runs in the second Test on Wednesday to condemn the hosts to a record loss and sweep the series.

- 

It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years, after bowling the home team out for a dismal 140 in an unlikely chase of 549 on day five in Guwahati.

India suffered their biggest Test defeat by runs and a fifth loss in seven home matches, having been whitewashed 3-0 by New Zealand little more than a year ago.

Off-spinner Harmer, 36, returned figures of 6-37 as world champions South Africa clinched a Test series in India for only the second time, the first in 2000 under Hansie Cronje.

"Winning a Test match and series in India is very special," said left-arm quick Marco Jansen, who took 6-48 in India’s first-innings 201 after smashing a quickfire 93 with the bat as the visitors piled up 489.

India lost the opening Test in Kolkata inside three days on a pitch with uneven bounce and South Africa once again beat the hosts at their own game of spin on a batting-friendly track.

India coach Gautam Gambhir, under fierce pressure following the latest home whitewash, refused to point the finger of blame squarely at his players.