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South African star Aiden Markram etched his name into cricketing folklore during the recently concluded second Test against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. In a match dominated by South Africa from start to finish, Markram delivered one of the greatest fielding performances ever witnessed in Test cricket. His exceptional display not only contributed to the Proteas’ commanding 408-run victory but also helped seal a historic 2-0 series whitewash — South Africa’s first Test series triumph on Indian soil in nearly 25 years.
Aiden Markram surpasses Ajinkya Rahane to claim a world record
What made the victory even more memorable for South Africa was Markram’s extraordinary achievement in the slip cordon. The 30-year-old went past former India captain Ajinkya Rahane’s long-standing record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in a Test match. Rahane had set the benchmark with eight catches against Sri Lanka in 2015 — a feat that stood unchallenged for a decade. Markram, however, rewrote the history books by pouching nine catches across both innings, showcasing exceptional anticipation, sharp reflexes, and flawless technique.
Markram’s record-breaking effort was built on the back of a sensational fielding display throughout the game. Each dismissal highlighted a different facet of his fielding ability — whether it was reacting instantly to edges flying at chest height or diving low to complete difficult takes inches above the turf. His presence in the slips gave South Africa’s bowlers, especially their seamers, unwavering confidence as they relentlessly tested India’s batting lineup.
The crowning moment arrived on Day 5 when India were attempting to delay the inevitable during their steep chase of 549. Washington Sundar’s outside edge flew towards Markram, who completed a clean, composed catch — his ninth of the match. That moment officially propelled him past Rahane and into the record books, sealing his status as one of the finest slip fielders in modern cricket.
Most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in a Test match
- Aiden Markram – 9 vs India, 2025
- Ajinkya Rahane – 8 vs Sri Lanka, 2015
- Greg Chappell – 7 vs England, 1974
A historic Test series triumph for South Africa
Markram’s brilliance was just one chapter in what turned out to be a dream series for South Africa. The emphatic 408-run victory in Guwahati completed a 2-0 whitewash in the Freedom Trophy, underlining the visitors’ complete dominance. South Africa outplayed India in every department — batting with authority, bowling with discipline, and fielding with unmatched sharpness.
This was no ordinary series win. It marked South Africa’s first Test series triumph in India since their 2-0 victory in the 1999-2000 season, ending a 25-year drought. For a team often seen as strong at home but inconsistent in the subcontinent, the achievement stands as one of their most significant away successes in the modern era.
The series will be remembered for its defining moments — Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden century, Marco Jansen’s fiery spells, Simon Harmer’s masterful display of spin bowling, and above all, Markram’s historic nine-catch masterclass.
