A half-century from AB de Villiers has helped South Africa open up a commanding lead over Sri Lanka at tea on the fourth day of the first Test match in Galle.
© Getty Images
After they reached 63-2 at lunch, South Africa added another 25 runs to their total before Hashim Amla was dismissed by Dilruwan Perera after a run-a-ball 22.
That wicket saw De Villiers join Faf du Plessis at the crease, and the pair put on 43 runs for the fourth wicket before Du Plessis departed for 37.
As they looked to give themselves as much time as possible to bowl Sri Lanka out for a second time, De Villiers and Quinton de Kock increased the tempo during the latter part of the session, with De Villiers making 51 off 58 balls.
With a lead in excess of 350 already secured, De Kock continued to score freely, but he fell for 36 during the final over before tea with South Africa sitting on 206-6, an advantage of 369 runs.
Darren Plant
