The veteran Graeme Smith has expressed great pride after becoming the first captain to win 50 Test matches, against Pakistan in Centurion.

Smith surpassed former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting's tally of 48 earlier this month, and on Sunday reached the unrivalled milestone thanks to an innings and 18-run win - and three-nil series win.

"I'm very, very proud to be the first captain in world cricket to achieve 50 Test wins under my leadership and I'm also very proud to have done it as a South African," enthused Smith.

"It has been a very special summer at home. We've reached some incredible milestones and I'm grateful to be a part of a special group of cricketers who can go on to achieve a lot more."

The Proteas triumph at Supersport Park was built on the back of wicketkeeper-batsman AB de Villiers' century, Hashim Amla's 92, all-rounder Vernon Philander's 74, debutant Kyle Abbott's match haul of nine wickets and a four-wicket flourish from fast bowler Dale Steyn.

Abbott was particularly impressive, finishing with fixture figures of nine for 68 and the man-of-the-match award after replacing the injured Jacques Kallis. Seamer Rory Kleinveldt, meanwhile, orchestrated a solid performance in the absence of the injured Morne Morkel.

"To see our batters front up and our bowlers put in the yards, shows good signs as a team. It shows we're hungry and have a really good determination. There is real pride in our performance which is always important," added Smith.

"It shows there is a good environment for a young guy to join the team and there is a good platform for him to be successful. It's great to see fresh guys come in from the domestic circuit and perform well like Kyle."

The 32-year-old Smith will spend the bulk of the South African winter captaining Surrey, rather than playing in the Indian Premier League. The Champions Trophy in England and another Test series against Pakistan, too, is on the horizon.

"It was the right decision for me at this time of my life. I'm looking forward to a different challenge after playing IPL for five years. The opportunity to go to London and lead a county like Surrey is something I'm looking forward to and it's a great chance to grow my leadership skills," he concluded.