Assam GK Topic

When Was The First Test Match Played In Assam And What Was Its Result?

The first-ever Test match in Assam marked a historic milestone in the sporting landscape of the Northeast. The long-awaited moment finally arrived when India and South Africa faced each other at the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium (Barsapara Stadium), Guwahati, starting on November 22, 2025. This iconic match, which continued until November 26, 2025, ended with South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat by runs to complete a compelling 2-0 series sweep.
When Was The First Test Match Played In Assam And What Was Its Result? illustration

Use this topic to revise for APSC, SSC, and other competitive exams.

Detailed Notes

For decades, cricket enthusiasts from Assam and the Northeast had dreamed of witnessing the traditional red-ball format on home soil. Although Guwahati had hosted ODIs since the early 1980s and T20 Internationals since 2017, welcoming a Test match elevated the city into an elite circle of India’s premier cricket venues. The event generated huge excitement, symbolising the fulfilment of long-held aspirations and showcasing the state’s growing sporting culture.

The match was celebrated not only for being the first Test in the region but also for reaffirming Assam’s ability to host large-scale international events. The stadium witnessed an enthusiastic turnout, echoing the passion earlier shown during the Women’s World Cup 2025, when the South African women’s team stunned England in a memorable semifinal played at the same venue.

Key memories from Guwahati’s cricketing past also resurfaced, such as the thrilling 1996 Titan Cup encounter at Nehru Stadium where Lance Klusener announced himself with a spectacular 88-run knock. These historical moments added emotional depth to Assam’s first Test match, making it a collective celebration of cricketing heritage.

With the India–South Africa Test ending with South Africa hand India their heaviest defeat by runs to complete a compelling 2-0 series. The match also served as a reassurance that the pitch offered a balanced contest—something that was widely appreciated given recent criticisms surrounding Test surfaces elsewhere in the country. For Assam, it was an opportunity to solidify its reputation as a reliable cricket centre capable of delivering quality match conditions and memorable viewing experiences.

Scorecard of India vs South Africa at Guwahati Test :

South Africa 489 (Muthusamy 109; Yadav 4-115) & 260-5d (Stubbs 94; Jadeja 4-62)

India 201 (Jaiswal 58; Jansen 6-48) & 140 (Jadeja 54; Harmer 6-37)

South Africa win by 408 runs

Key Pointers

  • First Test Match: India vs South Africa

  • Venue: Dr Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium (Barsapara Stadium), Guwahati

  • Date: November 22–26, 2025

  • Result: South Africa win by 408 runs

  • Significance: First-ever Test match in Assam and the entire Northeast region