India seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami took three wickets each as the tourists bowled South Africa out for 191 to claim victory by 113 runs just after lunch on the fifth day of the first Test at Centurion Park.
South Africa had resumed on 4-94 chasing a venue record 305 for victory, but fell well short of their target on a spicy wicket that had plenty of assistance for the bowlers.
Dean Elgar (77) and Temba Bavuma (35 not out) gave them some hope in the morning session but India’s vaunted pace attack used the conditions superbly and eventually eased their side to a comfortable win.
India achieved their victory despite the entire second day of the Test being washed out due to rain and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The second Test will be played in Johannesburg from January 3-7, with the third set for Cape Town from January 11-15.
India are seeking a first ever series win in South Africa.
The highest fourth innings score to win at Centurion Park is 251 for eight by England in 2000, an infamous Test where both teams agreed to forfeit an innings after rain to force a result.
That showed the enormity of South Africa’s task and in the end they failed to breach 200 in either of their innings, having been bowled out for 197 in the first and 191 in the second.
South Africa went along well in the first ten overs of the day before Elgar was trapped leg before wicket by Bumrah (3-50).
It was a typically gritty effort from the home skipper, who had been given a life on 63 by Mohammed Shami when the seamer spilled a caught and bowled chance.
Quinton de Kock took the attack to the bowlers with a breezy 21 from 28 balls, but played onto his own stumps for the second time in the Test, on this occasion off Mohammed Siraj (2-47).
It is a shot he will want to forget and he will play no further part in the series as he leaves the squad on paternity leave.
Wiaan Mulder (one) then did not last long, caught by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant off Shami (3-63), and after the lunch interval it took India only two overs to pick up the final three wickets.
Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (2-18) finally found a way into the game as he picked up the last two batsmen to fall in consecutive balls.
Sedz
Guest
India also have to bring in Iyer or other youngsters in the middle order and get rid of Pujara/Rahane. Lot of youngsters are waiting and India even at the risk of losing few matches must act.
Paul
Roar Guru
After day 1, India made 17 for 229 for the match. The Saffers quicks weren't far behind.
Targa
Roar Rookie
I agree, but still think they could succeed in international cricket unlike the English options.
Paul
Roar Guru
Gill & Shaw are the least impressive of this lot, at this stage of their careers, but as you suggest, they're still streets in front of anything the Poms have.
Targa
Roar Rookie
The Indian 3-4-5 of Pujara, Kohli, Rahane might be struggling a bit but they've got truckloads of talented openers - Agarwal, Rahul, Rohit, Gill, and Shaw. England must be jealous!
Paul
Roar Guru
Yet another Test that was effectively won at the toss. Day 1 conditions were the best of the match and that was pretty much the difference between the two sides. India 3 for 272 at the end of the first day then made 17 for 229 for the rest of the match. Kudos to KL Rahul. He's really done a terrific job at the top of the order for India, both in England and in this game
Targa
Roar Rookie
Impressive performance from India. And now QDK has retired from test cricket
Linphoma
Guest
Really dominant fast bowling cartel. We're talking about India! Bavuma stood up in both innings but SA have some batting issues.
Rao DJ
Guest
However the Indian bowling unit performed better than that of SA.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Intriguing match . Only difference between the 2 teams was Rahuls Ton day 1 . Otherwise both sides totally dominated by the quicks throughout . Not going to be any different at The Wanderers in a weeks time either ..
Rao DJ
Guest
They breached the Gabba in January and now the Centurion in December