The monumental feat was cemented on Wednesday in Guwahati, where the Proteas delivered a statement victory in the second and final Test.

The tourists thrashed India by a massive 408 runs at the ACA Stadium to record their first Test series victory on the subcontinent in more than 25 years. Adding a vibrant splash of gold to the achievement, it was once again the master-craftsman, spinner Simon Harmer, who spun a web of deception to take centre stage.

Marco Jansen taking a spectacular one-handed catch in the deep for the final wicket of the series - Cricinfo

India were set the colossal, nearly insurmountable, task of chasing down 549 runs in their second innings to level the two-Test series. Their challenge began to crumble late on day four when they lost two vital wickets early in their innings.

Resuming their second innings on a shaky 27/2 on Wednesday, the home side was in deeper trouble almost immediately. Harmer was relentless from the outset, bowling Kuldeep Yadav for five, before removing the stubborn Dhruv Jurel for 2 and the dangerous Rishabh Pant for 13. Harmer's triple-strike left the Indian batting line-up reeling at 58/5 after 31.2 overs.

Seasoned spinner Simon Harmer celebrating one of his six wickets during India's second innings - Cricinfo

The only beacon of resistance came from all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who managed to frustrate the South African bowlers with a resolute 54 off 87 deliveries. His valiant effort ended just before the final rites, when he was smartly stumped by the ever-alert Kyle Verreynne off the bowling of Keshav Maharaj for India’s second-last wicket.

In the end, India succumbed meekly, bowled out for just 140 runs in 63.5 overs. The vicotry confirmed the series whitewash for South Africa and emphatically reaffirmed their global status as the World Test Champions.

Harmer was undoubtedly the architect of the final-day collapse, securing a brilliant return of 6/23 in 23 overs. Keshav Maharaj provided excellent support, chipping in with 2/37 in 12.5 overs.

The sensational Harmer was rightly named the Player of the Series for his astounding 17 wickets across the two Tests. Adding to the long list of heroes, the Potchefstroom-born Marco Jansen was crowned Player of the Test for his powerful all-round display with a vital 93 runs in the first innings, coupled with figures of 6/48 and 1/23 with the ball.

Temba Bavuma being handed the series trophy - Cricinfo

In a remarkable piece of fielding history, opening batter Aiden Markram achieved a monumental milestone by snaring nine catches in the Test - the most ever by a single fielder in a Test match.

Following the historic win, skipper Temba Bavuma said the victory ranks right alongside the World Test Championship final triumph against Australia at Lord's, yet holds a special, unique place.

“It's definitely up there, and coming to India is always a tough prospect,” said the captain.

“As I said in the post-match interview, what makes this even sweeter is knowing the challenges that past tours have brought. We know how tough it can be.”

The Proteas are claiming a two-nil Test series whitewash in India - Cricinfo

“I would never have thought that we’d achieve a result like this in a series, but it’s an incredible achievement for this group of players. We’re not letting history define us - we’re creating memorable moments of our own.”

The Proteas will now shift focus to the white-ball arena, with the three-match One-Day International series getting underway. The 1st ODI is scheduled for Sunday in Ranchi, and the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 10am.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport