Dane Paterson had a breakthrough performance, claiming his first Test five-wicket haul to limit Sri Lanka to 328 runs in their first innings. South Africa then extended their lead to 221 runs at the end of the third day's play.
South Africa dominate Sri Lanka in 2nd Test
Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram provided a solid start for South Africa in their second innings, adding 55 runs for the opening partnership. However, de Zorzi was dismissed by a brilliant delivery from Prabath Jayasuriya.
Aiden Markram continued his good form, converting his start into his 12th Test half-century. He formed a promising partnership with Ryan Rickelton, but Vishwa Fernando intervened, dismissing Markram with a well-executed delivery. Jayasuriya then struck again, trapping Rickelton LBW.
However, Tristan Stubbs (36*) and captain Temba Bavuma stabilised the innings with an unbeaten 82-run partnership. Temba Bavuma (48*), aiming for his fourth Test fifty of the series, led South Africa to a strong position at the end of the third day's play.
Sri Lanka, who had a strong finish on day two, were on the verge of taking a first-innings lead. However, the South African pacers turned the tide on the morning of the third day, reducing Sri Lanka to 298/8.
Angelo Mathews (44) and Kamindu Mendis (48) had added a crucial partnership overnight. However, Marco Jansen made a breakthrough, dismissing Mathews with a well-executed short-of-length delivery.
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Following the dismissal of Mathews, Marco Jansen quickly struck again, removing Kamindu Mendis. Dane Paterson (5/71) then delivered a sensational over, claiming three wickets in quick succession. Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, and Lahiru Kumara were all dismissed in that over, leaving Sri Lanka in a precarious position.
Vishwa Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya briefly resisted, but Paterson eventually dismissed Fernando, securing his maiden five-wicket haul. Jayasuriya was the last wicket to fall, stumped by Keshav Maharaj. Sri Lanka were all out for 328 runs, handing South Africa a crucial 30-run lead.
