Live cricket score: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Day 3, South Africa tour of Sri Lanka, 2014

It was a day of attrition at the Sinhalese Sport Club (SSC). Mahela Jayawardene's 165 and Niroshan Dickwella (72) helped Sri Lanka go past 400 before they were finally bowled out for 421. In reply, South Africa lost both openers early before Faf du Plessis (36) and skipper, Hashim Amla (46*) joined forces to stem the rot. Faf was dismissed just before stumps as the visitors ended the day at 98/3.The pitch is aiding the spinners, and Sri Lanka will look to rattle through South Africa's middle-order. On the other hand, the visitors will look to consolidate their position and build a platform.

On a pitch that was ideal for spinners, Hashim Amla led from the front for his team, scoring his 28th Test fifty. The knock included 4 boundaries and came from 140 balls. This was his first half-century as South Africa's captain. With AB de Villiers looking very solid at the other end, the visitors will be looking forward to this pair to take them forward.

AB de Villiers started off in a positive manner, and took a particular liking for Suranga Lakmal. The pacer nearly had the last laugh though. He forced AB into gloving a leg-side short ball that nearly carried through to the keeper. Much to the surprise of the batsman, the keeper claimed the catch but replays suggested otherwise. A massive moment in the match, and South Africa would be a very relieved team.

Dilruwan Perera turned the match on its head by dismissing AB de Villiers (37) and Quinton de Kock (0) in one over as the visitors slid from a comfortable 150/3 to an edgy 150/5. AB was trapped in front, and even a review couldn't save him while Quinton de Kock played down the wrong line to be castled for 0. Sri Lanka were cock- a-hoop and Perera's figures had improved to 3/33.