Dominant South Africa edge closer to big win

South Africa put up another dominant show on the third day against Sri Lanka that has put them on the brink of a huge win in the first Test in Durban. Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma hit fine centuries to keep the Sri Lankans at bay that set the visitors a massive target of 516. The South African bowlers were on the money once again as they removed half the Sri Lankan side by stumps.

South Africa began the day with a wicketless opening session that rubber-stamped their authority on the game. Bavuma hit the second ball of the day for a boundary and Stubbs opened up as well a few overs later after a watchful start. The two batters continued to pile on the runs and went past their respective half-centuries. Vishwa Fernando had an opportunity at one point to dismiss both of them but it just wasn't Sri Lanka's day.

Post lunch, the two batters continued in the same vein. Stubbs hit Dhananjaya de Silva for a boundary and then hammered Kamindu Mendis for a six to enter the 90s and Bavuma at the other end looked solid as well. Even though Sri Lanka took the new ball immediately after it became available, their fortunes didn't change. Stubbs brought up his second Test ton and Bavuma followed suit after the drinks break.

There was a clear sign of switching gears as Stubbs appeared to go into T20 mode before eventually losing his wicket. David Bedingham walked out with intent as well smashing his first two balls for a four and a six. South Africa's lead went past 500 before Bavuma was trapped lbw at the stroke of Tea which prompted a declaration.

With the ball, the home side wasted a review very early but that didn't really matter much. Kagiso Rabada drew first blood as Dimuth Karunaratne chased a wide delivery, only to get an edge. Pathum Nissanka then went on the offensive, targeting Gerald Coetzee for three fours in an over and he even received a reprieve in the next over when Rabada overstepped. However, the opener couldn't cash in and was trapped lbw in the very next over.

Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews then hit a flurry of boundaries to get going and build a nice little partnership. At one point, it did appear like the experienced pair would steer Sri Lanka to safety by stumps. But Marco Jansen came round the wicket to trap Mathews lbw to dismiss him for the second time in the Test. South Africa then bagged the big wicket of Kamindu Mendis before a stunning catch from Tony de Zorzi at short leg saw Jayasuriya depart as well before stumps. Sri Lanka now need an almost improbable 413 more to win with just five wickets in hand.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 42 & 103/5 (Dinesh Chandimal 29*; Marco Jansen 2/22) need another 413 runs vs South Africa191 & 366/5 decl. (Tristan Stubbs 122, Temba Bavuma 113)