Lanka get off to strong start in 370-run chase against South Africa in Galle Test

Sri Lanka on Saturday got off to a strong start in their second innings against South Africa on the fourth day of the first Test in Galle, scoring 110 for the loss of Upal Tharanga's wicket.

Leading the hosts towards the victory target of 370 runs set by the Proteas at the close of play, were Kumar Sangakkarra on 58 with seven boundaries and six, and Kaushal Silva on 37 with five boundaries. The partnership between the two is worth 96 runs. The Lankans scored their runs of 32 overs.

They now have to score 260 runs in three sessions on the final day of the Test on Sunday.

Earlier, the South Africans declared at tea after scoring 206 for the loss of six wickets. The top scorers for the Proteas were A.B. DeVilliers (51), Faf du Plessis (37), Quentin de Kock (36) and Alviro Petersen (32). J.P. Duminy was batting on eight when the visitors decided to declare and set the Sri Lankans four sessions to try and win the match. Sri Lankan spinner MDK Perera claimed four wickets for 79 runs in the Soth African second innings.

Thereafter, Upal Tharanga lost his wicket for 14. Tharanga was caught behind of the bowling of Dale Steyn.

Earlier, South Africa bowled out Sri Lanka for 292 in the first innings, to establish a lead of 163. They now lead by 369 runs with four wickets in hand. The Sri Lankan first innings was wrapped up in the fifth over of the day with paceman Morne Morkel (3-49) sending back overnight batsman Herath for 19.

Herath edged the bowler to second slip where AB de Villiers dived to his left to pluck a stunning catch and bring the curtain down on Sri Lanka's first innings.

Sri Lanka added just nine runs to their overnight score of 283-9.

Pace spearhead Dale Steyn was the star of the South African bowling, finishing with 5-54, his 23rd five-wicket haul in Tests.