South Africa Team

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa— South Africa beat top-ranked India by 72 runs in the first test on Monday, forcing out the best side in the world for just 135 on the fourth day at Newlands.

India’s defeat on a seam-friendly track in Cape Town underlined the doubts over the No. 1 side’s ability to win on green strips away from home.

South Africa seamer Vernon Philander sealed a low-scoring game with his 6-42 in the second innings, hastening India’s demise when he took three wickets in four balls to end the game.

India was chasing a target of just 208 to win, but came unstuck against South Africa’s quick bowlers on a pitch where all the batsmen struggled. India made 209 in the first innings, while South Africa scored 286 and 130.

Philander’s career-best figures in India’s second innings were backed up by two wickets each from fellow quicks Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada.

India is ranked No. 1 in tests by a wide margin after nine straight series wins, but only one of those series victories came outside Asia.

AP/08/01/2018