PHOTOS: India vs South Africa, 3rd Test, Day Three

IMAGE: India's Ravichandran Ashwin, third left, celebrates along with teammates during Day 3 of the third Test at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, in Nagpur, on Friday. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

India beat South Africa by 124 runs in the third Test in Nagpur to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series on Friday.

In the process, Virat Kohli registered his first Test series victory as captain on home soil and ended South Africa's track record of not losing a Test series away from home for nine years.

- Scorecard

IMAGE: South Africa's Faf du Plessis, left, and Hashim Amla leave for lunch. Photograph: BCCI

Chasing a 310-run victory target, South Africa, who were shot out for 79 in the first innings, could muster up just 185 in their second essay before being dismissed in the final session of the third day's play at the VCA Stadium.

IMAGE: India's Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates the wicket of South Africa's AB de Villiers. Photograph: BCCI

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed 7-66 to go with the five wickets he had taken in the first innings, while leg-spinner Amit Mishra claimed the other three second innings wickets.

IMAGE: South Africa’s Hashim Amla is all concentration as he defends a delivery. Photograph: BCCI

South Africa skipper Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis contributed 39 runs each in the second innings in the low-scoring contest.

On a turning track that saw 32 wickets tumble on the first two days, the pair showed grit and determination to thwart the Indian bowlers for more than 46 overs with the biggest partnership in the low-scoring contest.

The setback also meant South Africa, currently the top ranked team in the Test format, succumbed to their first away Test series defeat since 2006.

IMAGE: Fans make their presence in the stands felt during Day three of the third Test. Photograph: BCCI

Delhi hosts the fourth and final Test from December 3.

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