South Africa, replying to India's 215, were 2-11 at stumps on Wednesday's opening day of the third Test in Nagpur.
Opener Dean Elgar was unbeaten on seven and skipper Hashim Amla had yet to score after Stiaan van Zyl (0) and nightwatchman Imran Tahir (4) fell before the close.
India were earlier dismissed in the post-tea session, opener Murali Vijay top-scoring with 40 when the hosts won the toss and elected to bat on a dry, dusty pitch at the VCA stadium.
Offspinner Simon Harmer claimed 4-78 and fast bowler Morne Morkel took 3-35.
At one stage, India were 6-125 but valuable contributions from Wriddhiman Saha (32), Ravindra Jadeja (34) and Ravichandran Ashwin (15) allowed the home team to pass 200.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan was dismissed for 12, captain Virat Kohli fell for 22 and Ajinkya Rahane went for 13.
Cheteshwar Pujara was lbw for 21 and Rohit Sharma was out for two.
India lead the four-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Mohali by 108 runs. The rain-hit second game in Bangalore was drawn.
Share
