Day one of the first Test match saw India launch a dominant performance against South Africa, primarily due to the stellar bowling of Jasprit Bumrah. The game opened with Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen leading the attack for South Africa as Indian openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal began their innings. While Mulder's early pressure created an intense atmosphere, Jansen's maiden over added further tension, presenting a thorough test for Jaiswal, who faced a flurry of deliveries and survived close calls.

Bumrah, showcasing his exceptional skill, quickly achieved a five-wicket haul, marking his 16th in Test cricket and placing him among India's legendary bowlers. His sweeping inswingers and relentless precision sent wickets tumbling, including the crucial dismissal of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, helping India restrict South Africa to 159 runs in their first innings.

Despite South Africa reaching 150, their progress was marred by wickets, with India’s bowling spearheaded by Bumrah, who claimed key partnerships. He and fellow bowler Mohammed Siraj worked in unison to dismantle the South African batting lineup, leading to a catastrophic collapse from 57-0 to 159 all out. Siraj’s sharp resurgence proved pivotal, as he snared crucial wickets in succession.

As the day progressed, India's bowlers maintained pressure with disciplined spells. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel's contributions added to South Africa's woes, forcing them into further trouble just before the tea break. At the close of day one's play, India ended firmly in the driver's seat, leading South Africa significantly as they closed the day with 159 runs from 55 overs. With the series only just beginning, India will look to carry momentum into the subsequent days, while South Africa will have to regroup to challenge India's bowling prowess.