Port of Spain: South Africa completed a comprehensive 163-run win over West Indies in the dying stages of the fourth day of the opening Test at the Queen's Park Oval on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The Proteas faced stiffer resistance from the West Indies in their second innings but were still able to earn a day off as the home side was dismissed for 293 from 80.3 overs with 2.3 overs remaining in the day's play.
Chasing a highly improbably 457 to win, West Indies showed significantly more fight than they had done in their first innings when they capitulated for 102.
Captain Chris Gayle led from the front with a power-packed 73 from 106 balls with nine fours and one six while his deputy Dwayne Bravo entertained with 49 from 74 balls with four boundaries and a pair of sixes.
Sulieman Benn recorded his highest Test score 42 from 55 balls which included eight fours as he put on 66 for the eight wicket with his spin partner Shane Shillingford (27).
South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn, the man-of-the-match after a match haul of eight for 94, returned to wrap up the innings as he forced last man Nelon Pascal to play on.
The series moves to St Kitts for the second Test before concluding in Barbados.
Brief scores
South Africa 352 and 206 for 4 dec (Smith 90, Benn 3-74)
West Indies 102 and 293 (Gayle 73, Steyn 3-65)
Result South Africa won by 163 runs
MOM Dale Steyn (South Africa)