India hammers South Africa by 108 runs within three days

On expected lines, the dusty Mohali track turned out to be decisive factor in the first Test as South Africa succumbed for 109 in their second innings on Saturday to lose the match by 108 runs inside three days.

After R Ashwin in the first innings, it was Ravindra Jadeja's turn to be South Africa's headache in the second. The comeback man rounded off a successful return on a memorable note, taking 5 for 21.

Ashwin (3 for 39), Amit Mishra (1 for 26) and Varun Aaron (1 for 3) were the other wicket-takers in the SA second innings that lasted just 39.5 overs.

But the victory for India came after a little scare when the hosts were bundled out for 200 in the morning after being 162 for 2 at one stage. That left South Africa to score an achievable 218 with more than two days left.

India had to thank Cheteshwar Pujara's 77, who held one end up before the collapse that saw India losing last eight wickets for 38 runs. Imran Tahir and Simon Harmer were the pick for the Proteas with 4 for 48 and 4 for 61, respectively.

But it was a bridge too for South Africa, on a track where they were bowled out for 184 in the first innings. Other than Stiaan van Zyl's fighting 36, none of the other batsmen showed teeth for fight on a difficult track that had the last laugh.India lead the four-Test series 1-0 with the next match to begin at Bengaluru on November 14.