Elgar ton puts South Africa in strong position

Captain Faf du Plessis survived a dropped catch to contribute 38 to a 76-run partnership with Elgar as South Africa lost one wicket in the second session, having been 69 for three at lunch. Sri Lanka struggled to make further inroads with Du Plessis the only wicket to fall as he attempted an expansive drive to Rangana Herath’s left-arm spin and was caught at first slip by Angelo Mathews.

Elgar and Du Plessis had both played measured innings sprinkled with a few aggressive shots to revive the hosts after early problems. Du Plessis was dropped on 31 by Upul Tharanga off Herath but it did not prove expensive as the veteran spinner got his man soon afterwards. 

Lahiru Kumara claimed two quick scalps on a bowler-friendly surface, dismissing Hashim Amla and JP Duminy in the same over. Amla, continuing his indifferent form, was clean bowled for 29 and five balls later Duminy gloved a quick leg-side delivery to be caught after an acrobatic leap by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.