Mohali, Nov 7 (IANS): The South African spin duo of Simon Harmer and Imran Tahir sliced through the Indian middle and lower order to leave the hosts struggling at 185/8 in their second innings at lunch on the third day of the first Test being played at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium here on Saturday.

Harmer returned figures of 56-3 and Tahir - who bagged two wickets in the morning session - returned 3-39 as the Proteas dominated the session.

India were 202 ahead at lunch, with Wriddhiman Saha batting on eight. Overnight batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was the highest scorer for the Indians with 77.

India started the day in a steady manner before part-time seamer Stiaan van Zyl sent back Virat Kohli when the Indian skipper attempted a drive only to offer an edge to Dane Vilas behind the stumps.

Imran Tahir got the second breakthrough for South Africa soon after with his first ball of the day when he had Pujara caught by Hashim Amla at slip. Pujara hit one six and half a dozen boundaries during his stay at the middle.

Ajinkya Rahane survived only nine balls before Temba Bavuma took a fine catch at forward short-leg to give Harmer his first of the day. Harmer then dismissed Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Mishra in quick succession to reduce the hosts to 182/7.

Jadeja was trapped leg before while Mishra was caught at square-leg as he went for a pull shot.

Ashwin pushed India's lead past the 200-run mark, before Tahir found his outer edge with the last ball before lunch as Amla pulled off another fine effort in the slips.