Simon Harmer and Imran Tahir have led a fightback from South Africa on the morning of the third day of the first Test to bowl India out for 200, leaving the Proteas 218 runs to secure the win.

Virat Kohli's men began the day on 128-2 and the skipper along with Cheteshwar Pujara made steady progress in the first hour to edge their side over the 150-run mark.

However, Kohli was to fall for 29 when he was caught behind by Dane Vilas off the bowling of Stiaan van Zyl, ending his partnership with Pujara at 66.

Pujara was out two overs later as he was caught by Hashim Amla when Tahir forced the error from the 27-year-old and Ajinkya Rahane became the first victim of Harmer as he was dismissed for two, leaving India 164-5.

Harmer soon picked up the scalp of Ravindra Jadeja lbw for eight, while Amit Mishra soon followed him back to the pavilion to the same bowler.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Umesh Yadav did not provide much resistance for the home side as they departed cheaply.

Wriddhiman Saha guided his team to the 200-run mark, but he was the last wicket to fall for 20 when he was caught behind by Vilas off the bowling of Tahir.

As a result, South Africa need just 218 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the Test series, with two days and two sessions to reach the target.