Sri Lanka were in danger of an innings defeat after losing 12 wickets on the third day of the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands yesterday. Sri Lanka were 138 for four in their follow on innings at the close, still 203 runs short of making South Africa bat again.


Jacques Kallis celebrates the dismissal of Lahiru Thirimanne in Cape
Town yesterday. Pic/AFP

South Africa's fast bowlers, backed by the leg-spin of Imran Tahir, put Sri Lanka's batsmen under inexorable pressure after the first two days of the decisive Test were dominated by batsmen.

Only six wickets fell while 729 runs were scored in the first two days but it was a complete contrast on Thursday as 12 wickets fell for 228 runs despite conditions remaining largely favourable for batting.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 239 in their first innings, with fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander taking three wickets apiece.

Philander struck again in the fourth over of the follow on when Tillekeratne Dilshan drove loosely at a ball which moved away, edging a catch to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.

Lahiru Thirimanne and Kumar Sangakkara showed some fight in a second wicket stand of 67, although Thirimanne should have followed his fellow opener to the pavilion when he was on 10. He edged Morne Morkel and Boucher put down a straightforward chance.

Thirimanne made 30 before he was caught at short leg off Jacques Kallis after umpire Richard Kettleborough initially gave him not out.

South Africa asked for a review and the 'hot spot' revealed a faint edge from his bat before the ball looped from his thigh pad to Hashim Amla.