South Africa vs India, 1st Test - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: India in South Africa 2013 Venue: New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg Date & Time: Dec 18-Dec 22, 10:30 AM LOCAL

Dale Steyn and teammates celebrate the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan for 13. © Cricbuzz

Imran Tahir and Hashim Amla celebrate after the fall of Cheteshwar Pujara ©Reuters

Virat Khohli is all joy as he celebrates his superb century ©Reuters

The moment of the day: Virat Khohli celebrating his century ©Reuters

Vernon Philander celebrates the fall of Ajinkya Rahane's wicket ©Reuters

Rahul Dravid said at the start of the final session that India could not afford to lose another sesion today, after having lost the first two, and the visitors ensured that they came back strongly as they rattled RSA with 5 quick wickets.

Ishant Sharma started the collapse with the wicket of a well-set Hashim Amla, before Zaheer Khan and Shami Ahmed too joined in to leave RSA in tatters.

However, a superb lower-order stand between Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander helped South Africa reach stumps at 212/6 and with hope of getting as close as possible to India's total on the morrow.

Ishant Sharma turned out to be the hero India were desperate for as he struck twice in 2 balls to send back the well set Hashim Amla- out bowled- and Jacques Kallis- LBW for a golden duck to get the vistors storming back into the game.

Riding on Ishant's terrific last over, Zaheer Khan tilted the scales further in India's favour as he trapped Smith LBW for 68 to leave RSA in a spot of bother. It was the 14th time Zaheer had accounted for the RSA skipper across all formats.

Ishant Sharma celebrates after taking a wicket. ©Reuters

Cheteshwar Pujara walks off the field after being dismissed by bowler Jacques Kallis. ©Reuters

For India, it was a matter of taking the remaining wickets as quickly as possible and once again, they would be counting on the experience of Zaheer Khan to guide the bowlers.

The wicket that sparked the collapse: Zaheer Khan celebrates after taking the wicket of Vernon Philander ©Reuters

Also, in what could turn out to be a tremendous blow for the hosts pacer Morne Morkel was forced off the field after turing his ankle over while fielding. The pacer would be instrumental for South Africa as they seek to fight back in the second session, and Graeme Smith's men will be desperate for him to make a quick comeback.