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JOHANNESBURG - Anil Kumble and Zaheer Khan bowled India to their first ever test victory in South Africa when they won the opening match of the series by 123 runs shortly before lunch on the fourth day.
South Africa, who needed 402 to win, were dismissed for 278 in their second innings. Leg-spinner Kumble took three for 54 and left-arm fast bowler Khan claimed three for 79.
Ashwell Prince stood firm for more than five hours for his 97, South Africa's top score.
Khan struck the first blow for India with the 15th ball of the day, trapping Mark Boucher lbw for 23.
Prince and Shaun Pollock held up India's progress with a brisk partnership of 67 for the seventh wicket.
Kumble ended the stand by bowling Pollock for 40, an innings that included six fours and a six.
Kumble reduced South Africa to 245 for eight when he dismissed Andre Nel lbw for six and took his third wicket when Prince advanced down the pitch and was bowled.
India captain Rahul Dravid took the new ball in the fourth over after it was due, and 10 minutes before the scheduled lunch interval Makhaya Ntini, who scored eight, slashed a delivery from Khan to point.
Virender Sehwag took the catch to end the match, and the Indians celebrated their historic win.
The match was India's 10th test in South Africa since their inaugural series in the country in 1992-93.
The second test in the three-match series starts in Durban on December 26.
- REUTERS
