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South Africa open up 369-run advantage at tea

South Africa extend their lead over Sri Lanka to 369 runs with four sessions remaining of the first Test match in Galle.

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.

South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers is watched by Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal as he plays a shot during the fourth day of the opening Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle on July © 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.

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Darren Plant
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Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of Pakistani batsman Ahmed Shehzad on January 18, 2014
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