South Africa skipper Graeme Smith termed the 174-run rout of India in the second Test in Durban as a "stand-out" victory during his captaincy.

"Among all my wins as captain, this one stands out. Knowing what was going around the team, the light problem in this Test, it has to rank as my best win and there are a few guys who have been longer than me in the dressing room who feel the same," Smith said after his side squared the series after going down in the first match at Johannesburg.

Smith believed that the delayed start on the final day actually played into the hands of his side in turning things around.

"When I got up and opened my curtains I saw clouds and cursed my luck in Durban once again. But in a way it played into our hands as the Indians didn't expect some action and Makhaya straightaway put them on the backfoot."

Smith termed the scalps of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman the key -- even ahead of Sachin Tendulkar -- in his side's victory.

"Obviously, getting Dravid out, since he could bat out time, was important, and today it was Laxman who we felt was the key wicket," the left-hander said.

The South African captain hailed bowling spearhead Ntini for rising to the occasion.

"There were a few things Ntini was searching within himself at the Wanderers, but it's a hallmark of a good cricketer that he comes good when the situation demands it."

Smith was happy his team "stayed away from all the rubbish going around" after the loss in the first Test.

"We managed to stay away from a lot of rubbish which was going on and worked things privately which helped in turning things around in this Test," he said.

He wanted to keep his feet on the ground and start afresh in the Cape Town Test, starting January 2.

"Usually we do well in back-to-back Tests, so we are confident but we have to keep our feet on the ground, respect India and the conditions," a beaming South African captain said.