Sangakkara helps SL on top

It was a day of frustration and little success for the South African tourists as they kicked off the second Test of their 2-match set with Sri Lanka. An innings of 157 not out was the major basis for the frustration, as Sangkkara batted for 263 balls and hit some 20 fours.

Winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to take first strike, but lost the captain in first over of the game, caught behind off Pollock for 4. At 4/1, Sangakkara joined former skipper Jayasuriya at the crease and the two progressed the score to 99. At this point Jayasuriya departed for a fairly brisk 43 from 59 balls (7 fours), LBW to left-arm spinner Nicky Boje.

The South Africans would see no joy for the next 63.1 overs, conceding 192 runs for a third wicket. First Test double centurion, Mahela Jayawardene faced 210 balls and scored 82 runs, looking on his way to another hundred before Ntini swung a delivery in to hit the stumps.

At the close, Sri Lanka were 303/3 and will resume tomorrow with Sangakkara and nightwatchman Chaminda Vaas (4 not out). Sri Lanka entered this game without the services of world-record holder Muttiah Muralitharan, who is injured.

[U]Match Summary:[/U]

[B]Sri Lanka 1st innings[/B] 303/3 (90 overs)
KC Sangakkara 157 not out, DPMD Jayawardene 82, ST Jayasuriya 43
M Ntini 1/47, SM Pollock 1/49, N Boje 1/79

Posted by Liam