South African skipper Shaun Pollock was delighted by the all-round performance of his side as they took a 1-0 lead in the three-Test home series against India.

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The tourists faded badly following brilliant batting by Sachin Tendulkar on the opening day at Bloemfontein but South Africa again showed why they are rated second only to Australia in Test cricket.

"To have to chase 380 in the first innings and win by nine wickets means that the guys have applied themselves well," he said.

"We're happy from both sides - the guys batted really well and we did the job with the ball too."

India were on the back foot following a brilliant 107 by Herschelle Gibbs at the start of South Africa's first innings and Lance Klusener also passed three figures as they totalled 563.

"There was plenty of entertainment from the batting - the rate was always up at four (runs per over), so the crowd that came in really did get some exciting cricket.

"There was just myself who failed and hopefully I can get it right in the next game."

Good toss to win

Pollock was named Man of the Match by adjudicator Jimmy Adams, the former West Indies captain, after taking 10 wickets in a Test for the first time.

"Cricket is a bit of a stats game, and although it's a team game, you are always aware of your individual performance. It's taken 50-odd Tests to get there, but I have eventually got it, so I'm pretty chuffed."

Pollock admitted to having second thoughts about his decision to put India after winning the toss when Tendulkar was in full cry.

"It's all about getting 20 wickets in a Test match and in Bloemfontein, which tends to be a good batting deck, it's all about giving yourselves the best opportunity.

"It probably did turn out to be the right decision but when they were 300 and odd for five, I wasn't so sure about that."

The teams now move on to Port Elizabeth, where the second Test starts on 16 November, and South Africa are looking for another win to wrap up the series.