Akila Dananjaya finished with figures of 5-52 off 13 overs
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Sri Lanka forged a massive 365-run lead on the second day of the second Test in Colombo after spinner Akila Dananjaya carved through South Africa’s batting line-up with a five-wicket haul.
Starting off the day on 277/9, Dananjaya and Rangana Herath converted their 13-run partnership into a 74-run stand before Herath was dismissed by Keshav Maharaj for 35.
Dananjaya remained unbeaten on a career-best 43 not out as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 338.
Maharaj was easily the pick of the bowlers with nine wickets, while Kagiso Rabada chipped in with one.
Trailing by 338 runs, South Africa found themselves in trouble early on as Dananjaya removed Dean Elgar and Theunis de Bruyn in quick succession before Herath trapped Aiden Markram lbw for seven runs.
Hashim Amla and captain Faf du Plessis halted Sri Lanka’s charge with a 55-run partnership before Amla was caught by Kusal Mendis at short leg off the bowling of Dilruwan Perera for 19.
Du Plessis went on to score 48 before he was caught behind off the bowling of Dilruwan, who also took out Temba Bavuma.
With South Africa struggling at 114/6, Dananjaya returned and speared through their lower order, which led to the Proteas being skittled out for 124 and giving Sri Lanka a 214-run lead.
Danajaya was the most successful bowler with five wickets, while Dilruwan took four and Herath claimed one.
With a 214-run lead in hand, Sri Lanka made a brilliant start to their second innings as openers Danushka Gunathilaka and Dimuth Karunaratne amassed a 91-run partnership, during which Gunathilaka surpassed his half-century.
Danushka Gunathilaka scored his second Test fifty
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Gunathilaka ended up making a career-best 61 off 68 balls, which included six boundaries and two sixes, before he was caught by Elgar at deep midwicket off the bowling of Maharaj.
Dhananjaya de Silva fell shortly after, while Mendis scored 18 runs before being run out by Markram.
Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews ensured Sri Lanka didn’t lose anymore wickets as they forged an unbeaten 15-run stand before stumps was called.
Karunaratne finished on 59 off 92 balls, which included eight boundaries, while Mathews remained undefeated on 12 off 15 deliveries, which included two boundaries.
Dimuth Karunaratne’s superb form with the bat continued
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Maharaj was the only bowler to take any wickets.
Sri Lanka ended day two on 151/3 and will continue batting on Sunday at 10:00 local time or 04:30 GMT.