CENTURION, South Africa, (Reuters) – South Africa claimed India’s last two wickets in 35 deliveries to win the first test by an innings and 25 runs on the final day at Centurion today.
New-ball bowlers Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn took a wicket each as India, resuming on 454 for eight, were bowled out for the addition of only five runs.
Shanthakumaran Sreesanth failed to add to his overnight score of three as he pushed firmly at a delivery from Morkel that was outside off stump and offered AB de Villiers a regulation catch in the slips.
Jaidev Unadkat (1) handled his first few short deliveries well but his 10th ball, from Steyn, spat up viciously and the debutant could only fend it to Ashwell Prince at gully.
Sachin Tendulkar ended undefeated on 111, having batted for five hours and 27 minutes. His landmark century, his 50th, was an innings of great composure and technique but not enough to save India, who trailed by 484 runs after the first innings.
South Africa called on fast bowlers Steyn and Morkel to clinch victory, as they had in India’s disappointing 136-run first innings when they shared eight wickets.
Steyn finished with four for 105 in 30.1 overs, while Morkel took two for 94 in 31 overs. The duo are likely to be a handful again in the second test in Durban starting on Sunday.
Left-arm spinner Paul Harris finished with two for 88, Jacques Kallis one for 56 and Lonwabo Tsotsobe claimed one for 98.
Kallis scored 201 not out, his maiden test double century, in South Africa’s innings of 620 for four declared to bat India out of the test and win the man-of-the-match award.
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