India sailing towards maiden win on South African soil

India's bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, throws the ball as attempts a run out against South Africa's batsman Andre Nel, unseen, during the second day of the 1st cricket test match against South Africa's second innings at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

India are well set to win their first Test in South Africa at the 10th time of asking after bowling out the hosts for just 84 in Johannesburg.

Sri Sreesanth claimed 5-40, the best figures of his career, with the hosts despatched in barely 25 overs.

Day two bgean with India 156-5, but they went on to hit 249 thanks to Sourav Ganguly's unbeaten 51. And India reached 146-5 in their second innings to gain an impressive overall lead of 311 with three days remaining.

On a wicket assisting the seam bowlers, India's fast men - and in particular Sreesanth - have been the most impressive.

Ganguly, who faced 101 balls in the first innings and added 25 runs in the second, fully justified his return to team colours.

He lost his first partner of the day, Mahendra Dhoni, almost immediately to Makhaya Ntini (3-57) - Shaun Pollock (4-39) taking a stunning catch at mid-off.

Three further wickets fell without significant addition to make the score 205-9.

But VRV Singh's 29 off 27 balls got some momentum going for India. He and Ganguly put on 44 for the last wicket.

Not even the most avid Indian fan would have imagined they could then bowl out the hosts for under 100, however.

But three South African batsmen were back in the hutch by lunch.

Graeme Smith fell lbw to one that seamed into him, Herschelle Gibbs was caught at point off a wild drive, and Hashim Amla edged to slip.

-BBC