Colombo: Sri Lanka surged to 151 for three in their second innings today – a 365-run overall lead – as they sought a whitewash triumph over South Africa in their two-Test series.
After their spinners had skittled out South Africa for just 124 in their first innings, Sri Lankan openers Danushka Gunathilaka (61, 68b, 6×4, 2×6) and Dimuth Karunaratne (59 batting, 92b, 8×4) put on a quickfire 91 to set the foundation for another strong score here.
Keshav Maharaj (2/50) struck twice to remove Gunathilaka and Dhananjaya da Silva, for a duck, but by then the hosts were in a strong position.
Earlier resuming at 277 for nine Sri Lanka proceeded to 338 before their innings ended. Akila Dananjaya(43 n o, 91b, 7×4) and Rangana Herath (35, 68b, 4×4) put on a last wicket of 74 runs before Maharaj (9/129) brought their innings to a close.
A 300-plus was always going to be a tough order for the visitors and they collapsed against the spin of Dananjaya (5/52), Dilruwan Perera (4/49) and Herath (1/32).
Only South Africa captain Faf du Plessis (48, 51b, 8×4, 1×6) and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock (32, 31b, 3×4) offered some resistance.
Du Plessis and Hashim Amla (19) put on the best partnership of 55, but Perera dismissed them both within four overs of each other. Despite de Kock’s aggressive innings, the remainder of South Africa’s batting was easy meat when Dananjaya came back.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 338 (Keshav Maharaj 9/129) and 151 for 3 (Danushka Gunathilaka 61, Dimuth Karunaratne (59); South Africa 124 (Faf du Plessis 18, Akila Dananjaya 5/52, Dilruwan Perera 4/49). Match to continue.