Cricket: South Africa on top but Sri Lanka counter strike

South Africa led by 431 runs after Sri Lanka made a quick reply with 149 runs but were two wickets down against a massive 580 for 4 wickets declared in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at Newlands in Cape Town, South Africa.


Sri Lanka would have been at a strong position not for rash batting by skipper T.M. Dilshan who threw away his wicket on his way towards a possible century at 78.


Today on day three the Sri Lankan top order should continue batting and carry on the entire day in order to go past the South African total.


South Africa declared their first innings after amassing 580 runs for the loss of four wickets.


South Africa made the declaration shortly before tea during the second day of the Test match where they were comfortably positioned after a twin century from Jacques Kallis and two tons from Alviro Petersen and AB de Villiers.


South Africa’s dominated the first day posting a massive 347 for the loss of three wickets and consolidated the second day after losing a wicket and adding further 233 runs.


Kallis reached his Test career best with a welcome 224 which came in 325 deliveries inclusive of 31 boundaries and a six.


Sri Lanka had a few chances to restrict avenging Kallis earlier on the innings but the veteran batsman batted sensibly to reach a well composed 159 not out when stumps were drawn in the first day.


He added 65 more runs before falling to leg-spinner Rangana Herath at 224 and guiding South Africa towards command.


He followed the success after getting back-to-back ducks in the second Test where Sri Lanka won the game by 208 runs to level the series.


Opener Petersen who had the golden opportunity made his comeback in style after hitting 109 off 188 deliveries with 13 boundaries and a six.


AB de Villiers who added 192 runs for the fourth wicket with Kallis remained unbeaten on 160 in 205 balls with 19 fours and two sixes to his account.


Jacques Rudolph who was moved down in the batting order too impressed with a fighting 51 not out in 71 balls.


Fast bowler Dhammika Prasad who replaced Dilhara Fernando took two wickets.


South Africa 580 for 4 wickets (139) declared (Alviro Petersen 109, Jacques Kallis 224, AB de Villiers 160 n.o., Jacques Rudolph 51 n.o., Dhammika Prasad 2/154)


Sri Lanka 149 for 2 wickets (39) (Lahiru Thirimanne 23, T.M. Dilshan 78, Kumar Sangakkara 35 n.o.)