Ruthless Sri Lanka Dominate Proteas

A disciplined, yet ruthless performance by Sri Lanka ensured their authority and stamped their dominance against South Africa in the second test at the SSC. On the back of Kumar Sangakkara's 232, Sri Lanka rattled South Africa further - with the ball

Resuming on 3/116 from Day 2, South Africa began poorly as Sanath Jayasuriya had Graeme Smith caught and bowled for 65. Smith would be the one of five wickets for the crafty Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka soldiered on at the expense of the lacklustre South African batting lineup.

Two overs later, Jayasuriya had Kallis bowled for 13, as South Africa were in a world of trouble at 5/141. Fast bowler, Lasith Malinga had his first wicket of the match, as Jacques Rudolph (6) edged one to the waiting hands of Kaluwitharana as South Africa slipped further into oblivion.

Dippenaar and Boucher provided a resurgence of sorts with a 20 run partnership, before Dippenaar's scalp was captured by Herath as Dippenaar departed for a solid 25. Two runs later and two overs later, Shaun Pollock was Herath's second victim. Pollock out lbw to Herath for just 1.

Makhaya Ntini didn't last too long against Herath, as the wily left arm spinner picked up his third wicket for the match and it was almost curtains for South Africa as they were 9/188. Sanath Jayasuriya had the pleasure of delivering the final nail in the South African coffin as he picked up Nantie Hayward (0) and his fifth wicket of the innings.

South Africa were bundled out for 189 with Sanath Jayasuriya taking 5/34 in his 14.1 overs. The momentum was clearly with Sri Lanka now and the fiery Sri Lankan's were ready to run with it. Jayasuriya and Atapattu began in solid fashion, but Sri Lanka experienced an early tremor as Jayasuriya (19) was dismissed by Nicky Boje.

Atapattu continued on solidly and with the support of Sri Lanka's best batsman, Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka prospered and the two amassed a 96 run partnership. Sangakkara complemented his first innings double century with a half century in the second innings.

But with the score at 142, Sangakkara's wicket fell as he was caught by Ntini off Kallis for a fine 64 off just 58 balls. Mahela Jayawardene didn't last long as he was Jacques Kallis' second victim, out for 3 as he was caught by Mark Boucher.

Atapattu was still solid as a rock in the middle as the Sri Lankan captain registered another career half century, as Sri Lanka's lead blossomed. With the score at 179, Sri Lanka would lose just one more wicket, and that of Marvan Atapattu.

The Sri Lankan skipper was dismissed by Jacques Rudolph for a fine 72. But that was the only joy that South Africa got as day three belonged to Sri Lanka as the home side finished day three with the score at 4/211. Sri Lanka already lead by a massive 492 runs and with two full days to go, South Africa will face a monumental task if they are to save this match.

Brief Score Summary:

Sri Lanka (1st Innings): 470 All Out (Sangakkara 232, Jayawardene 82, Pollock 4/81, Boje 2/102)

South Africa (1st Innings): 189 All Out (Smith 65, van Jaarsveld 51, Jayasuriya 5/34, Herath 6/60)

Sri Lanka (2nd Innings): 4/211 (Atapattu 72, Sangakkara 64, Kallis 2/6, Rudolph 1/22)

Posted by Sangrah