Harmer's six-for hands India their biggest Test defeat and seals South Africa's 2-0 sweep

In front of empty stands in India's newest Test venue, South Africa competed their utter domination of the hosts with a whitewash and their heaviest Test defeat in terms of runs.

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More than just the order of session breaks was turned upside down in India's easternmost Test ground where South Africa sealed their first series win in India in 25 years and India's second series defeat in 12 months after 12 years of spotless record.

Simon Harmer out-bowled by miles the home spinners in a country, whose ordinary tour in 2015 resulted in a seven-year hiatus for him in Test cricket. No one has now taken more wickets at a better average in a series in India than his 17 wickets at 8.94. Marco Jansen was a little behind with 12 at 10.08, but he ended the series with yet another thing about which we can say: "only Marco could have done that". A sensational catch over the shoulder, running back, diving and taking it one-handed. Just the kind of wicket Harmer won't mind being denied a maiden 10-for by.

This was the farthest result on India's minds when Shubman Gill joked after losing yet another toss in Kolkata that it seems he will win only in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Since then, India lost Gill to injury three balls into his work, and then both the Tests to leave themselves a hill to climb if they want to entertain thoughts of the WTC final. They now have 48.15% points halfway into their league matches. Historically at least 60% has been needed to get through to the final.

The defending champions, who had to deal with some elitist sniggering about their schedule in the last cycle, now have 75% of their points. Temba Bavuma, the captain who brought home the mace, was still undefeated in Tests after 12 matches at the helm.