Jadeja shines as India win spin battle against Proteas in Mohali

Indian spinners ripped into the South African batting line-up to secure a 108-run win over the tourists on day three of the first Test in Mohali on Saturday.

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Chasing a paltry target of 218, South Africans failed to counter spin attack of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin as they were bundled out for 109 in their second innings within 40 overs. Stiaan van Zyl was the lone batsman to provide some resistance by scoring 36.

Jadeja, who was adjudged as the Man of the Match, claimed five wickets to add to his three wickets in the first innings. He also made a vital contribution by scoring 38 in the first innings.

Ashwin also grabbed eight wickets overall by removing three batsmen in the second innings, while Amit Mishra and Varun Aaron gave able support by taking a wicket apiece.

Earlier in the day, the tourists produced a terrific comeback as they made early inroads into the Indian batting line-up to set themselves a 218-run target.

Resuming at their overnight position of 125 for two, India suffered batting meltdown as they lost their last eight wickets for 39 to bundle out for 200 in their second innings.

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Cheteshwar Pujara (77) and skipper Virat Kohli (29) batted through the first hour to take their third wicket stand to 66 runs but the dismissal of the latter sparked the collapse on day three.

Spin duo of Simon Harmer and Imran Tahir claimed four wickets each, while medium-pacer Stiaan van Zyl and Vernon Philander took a wicket apiece on a dusty pitch.

With the win, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.