Top Bowling Performances by South African Bowlers in India
South Africa’s Marco Jansen produced a sensational bowling display in the second Test of the 2025 series in Guwahati, claiming 6 wickets for 48 runs. His performance now ranks among the best bowling figures by a South African in India, showcasing his growing stature as a premier fast bowler. So let’s know who are the Top Bowling Performances by South African Bowlers in India.
South Africa’s Spin and Pace Legends in India
Historically, South African bowlers have faced challenging conditions in India, where pitches favor spin and batting. Despite this, several bowlers have achieved remarkable feats. Jansen’s 6/48 adds him to this elite list of performers.
Top Five Best Bowling Figures by South Africans in India
5. Imran Tahir – 5/38 (2015)
In the 2015 third Test at Nagpur, leg-spinner Imran Tahir dismantled India’s middle order, claiming 5 wickets for 38 runs in 11.3 overs. His victims included Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Wriddhiman Saha. Despite Tahir’s effort, South Africa fell short by 124 runs chasing 310.
4. Paul Adams – 6/55 (1996)
During South Africa’s 1996 tour of India, left-arm spinner Paul Adams wreaked havoc in Kanpur. He picked up 6 wickets for 55 runs, including the scalps of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Mohammad Azharuddin. Despite his heroics, India comfortably won by 280 runs.
3. Marco Jansen – 6/48 (2025)
Jansen starred in Guwahati, contributing 93 runs with the bat in the first innings and delivering a match-turning spell with the ball. He dismissed key Indian players like Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Nitish Reddy, plus cleaned up the tail to finish 6/48 in 19.5 overs with five maidens. His performance helped South Africa secure a commanding 288-run lead.
2. Dale Steyn – 7/51 (2010)
In Nagpur, 2010, Dale Steyn delivered one of his finest spells in India, claiming 7 wickets for 51 runs in 16.4 overs. He dismissed stalwarts such as Sachin Tendulkar, Murali Vijay, and VVS Laxman, helping South Africa enforce a follow-on and win by an innings and 6 runs.
1. Lance Klusener – 8/64 (1996)
Back in 1996 at Eden Gardens, Lance Klusener produced an unforgettable spell of 8/64. He dismantled India’s middle order, including VVS Laxman and Azharuddin, across 21.3 overs, leading South Africa to a dominant 329-run victory.
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Jansen Joins South Africa’s Elite in India
Marco Jansen’s 6/48 in Guwahati is now etched in South African cricket history as one of the most memorable bowling performances on Indian soil. This remarkable feat highlights his growing influence and confirms South Africa’s tradition of producing world-class bowlers capable of excelling in challenging conditions.
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