Debutant spinner Lasith Embuldeniya took five wickets as Sri Lanka produced a strong fightback with the ball on day three of the first test, but hosts South Africa remained on course for victory at the close at Kingsmead on Friday. Set a target of 304 to win, Sri Lanka were 83 for three when bad light brought a premature end to proceedings, with Oshada Fernando (28 not out) and Kusal Perera (12 not out) to resume the victory hunt on the fourth morning. The impressive Embuldeniya had earlier claimed 5-66 and sparked a South Africa collapse as the hosts were bowled out for 259 in their second innings, leaving Sri Lanka to chase what seems an unlikely victory. The tourists have not posted over 300 in any of their last 12 test innings, while the record fourth innings total to win a game in Durban is 336 by Australia in 1950. Openers Dimuth Karunaratne (20) and Lahiru Thirimanne (21) had put on 42 for the first wicket of Sri Lanka’s chase, before the latter was caught by Faf du Plessis at second slip off the bowling of Kagiso Rabada. Visiting captain Karunaratne was out soon afterwards, trapped leg before wicket by Vernon Philander as the tourists wobbled. They were three down two overs later when Kusal Mendis (0), batting with an injured finger, could only guide a Duanne Olivier delivery to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. Sri Lanka batted another anxious nine overs before the cloud cover that had threatened for much of the day forced the players from the field as the umpires deemed the light too gloomy to continue. The visitors had skittled out South Africa’s lower order 40 minutes before tea, taking the final five wickets for the addition of only eight runs. The home side were reasonably comfortable on 251 for five, but lost Philander (18) when he was bowled by a ball that kept low from the Embuldeniya. Home captain Du Plessis (90) had looked largely in control, but was out when he left a straight ball from Vishwa Fernando (4-71) that trapped him leg before wicket, with the seamer going on to collect two more wickets for a total of eight in the match. It was a swift end to South Africa’s second innings, but a sign of the variable bounce and generous turn on offer to the bowlers that will make Sri Lanka’s chase that much harder. The second and final test of the series will be played in Port Elizabeth from Feb. 21-25.<doc-sep>SRI LANKA IN SOUTH AFRICA 2019 Live Cricket Score - South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Day 3, Durban by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on Live Score Updates Sri Lanka 191-10 & 304-9 (85.3 Ovs) Kusal Perera 153 (200) South Africa 235-10 & 259-10 Kagiso Rabada 22.3-3-97-1 Sri Lanka won by 1 wkt Live Scores Full Scorecard Pressure will be on Sri Lanka bowlers to find quick wickets. © AFP That's all from us folks! Do join us tomorrow for the fourth and deciding day. Until next time then ... STUMPS DAY 3 Even before South Africa collapsed in the second session, the match had already slipped out of the grasp of Sri Lanka. The lead, on a decorticating track offering plenty of spin, was nearing 300. South Africa lost their last five wickets for eight runs - going from 251 for 5 to 259 all out - as Lasith Embuldeniya picking up his maiden five-wicket haul in his debut Test. Vishwa Fernando too had his share of fun in what has been a sorry display by the visitors and stretched his wickets tally to eight in the game. By the time stumps were drawn, Sri Lanka were 83 for 3 - still needing 221 after another top-order failure. It was a classic case of poor application, something that has continuously bothered the visitors in their last four overseas Tests. Make no mistake, Sri Lanka are still in the game, just about, but the fragility of the batting line-up and their recent form doesn't inspire much confidence. The Sri Lankan top-order, set a daunting challenge, should have looked at the application from Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock. With the lead already 170 at the end of the second day, Sri Lanka needed quick wickets right at the start. However, both de Kock and du Plessis played some crisp strokes to ease the pressure and take the lead past 200. De Kock's positive strokeplay not only transferred the pressure on the visitors, it also gave du Plessis the much-needed cushion to settle in early on. De Kock raced to his half-century off 56 balls - his second in the game - as the lead soared to 235. The du Plessis-de Kock collaboration fetched South Africa crucial 96 runs as they bossed the first session. Sri Lanka struggled for close to 90 minutes for the first break and it came through the debutant. Embuldeniya trapped de Kock in front in his second over of the day as South Africa scored 106 runs in the first session. Once de Kock was dismissed, it was du Plessis's turn to guide the innings forward. He brought up his first Test half-century at the venue - off 108 deliveries - and took the team past 250. The collapse started when Vernon Philander missed a straight one from Embuldeniya to lose his off stump. Du Plessis was trapped in front by Fernando after the South Africa captain offered no shot to fall for a 182-ball 90. There was nothing really from there on from the South Africa lower order but the template of the du Plessis innings was what Sri Lanka needed to follow. Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne made a steady start to keep the hosts on their toes. They scored 42 for the opening wicket but it took the pacers just five deliveries to change the complexion of the scoreboard. Thirimanne, like in the first innings, fell trying to play a flashy drive. He was caught at second slip by du Plessis chasing a wide one from Kagiso Rabada in the 16th over. Soon after, Karunaratne was dismissed lbw by Philander. Kusal Mendis was dismissed for an eight-ball duck. Duanne Olivier banged one outside off and the right-hander tried a ramp shot only to edge it to the 'keeper. Bad light forced an early end to the day and South Africa walked out a much happier side. Sri Lanka still have a mountain to climb with their hopes firmly pinned on Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella and Dhananjaya de Silva to produce a miracle. Bad light stops play ... THREE DOWN: Kusal Mendis fall in Duanne Olivier first over. Short ball outside off, he chased that one and edged it to the 'keeper. Sri Lanka 54 for 3 TWIN STRIKES: South Africa get both openers in space of five deliveries. Rabada has Thirimanne caught at slips and then Philander traps Karunaratne in front. The Sri Lanka captain went for the review and it was umpire's call. Sri Lanka 42 for 2 The players are back ... big session coming up for Sri Lanka. TEA - SRI LANKA 28 FOR NO LOSS South Africa lost their last five wickets for 8 runs and the collapse started with the downfall of Faf du Plessis (90). The South Africa captain scored his first Test half-century at the venue and played a key role in setting up the daunting challenge for the visitors. Vernon Philander was the first wicket to fall in the session when he missed a straight one from Embuldeniya. The big wicket, however, went to Fernando. The left-arm pacer got one to angle in from around the wicket and trapped du Plessis, who didn't offer a shot, plumb in front. The moment of the day for the visitors came in the 77th over. Embuldeniya managed to catch the inside edge of Kagiso Rabada's bat before Niroshan Dickwella completed an easy catch to help the left-arm spinner complete his five-wicket haul. Fernando accounted for Keshav Maharaj and then ended proceedings with the wicket of Dale Steyn. South Africa, cryptically, adopted a defensive approach right from the start of the second session as the track started to offer a lot more turn. That allowed the Sri Lanka bowlers to settle in, something they weren't able to do in the first session because of Quinton de Kock (55). The fact that South Africa scored 106 in the first session was because of the panache with which de Kock played. He reached his half-century off 56 deliveries before he was caught lbw by Embuldeniya. De Kock's positive strokeplay early in the day meant the pressure on Sri Lanka mounted. They struggled for close to 90 minutes before the wicket arrived. After du Plessis-de Kock collaboration fetched South Africa 96, Philander and du Plessis frustrated the visitors with a 60-run stand. ALL OUT - SRI LANKA SET 304 That's that folks! South Africa have been bowled out for 259. Fernando picks four while Embuldeniya ends with five. The left-arm spinner leads the side off the park. South Africa were 251 for 5. And then they collapsed soon after du Plessis fell. You have to think they have enough on the board to win the Test. NINE DOWN: Sri Lanka are striking rapid blows now as soon as the lead has touched 300. Fernando comes around the wicket and gets the ball to come back. Maharaj was no where close to that and gets bowled. EIGHT: Maiden five-wicket haul for Embuldeniya in his first Test. Inside edge from Rabada into the pads and the ball lobbed up. Dickwella completes an easy catch. THAT'S THAT: No century for du Plessis. He falls for 90. This is his first half-century in Durban in a Test. He's ensured the lead has soared to 299. No shot offered and Fernando traps his in front. SIX DOWN: Embuldeniya gets his fourth. Full and straight. Philander went back to cut but makes no connect. Bowled as the lead is now 295. The players are back, it's gone overcast now ... Du Plessis and Philander out to bat, Lakmal to start with the ball after the break ... LUNCH - SOUTH AFRICA 227 FOR 5; LEAD 271 Faf du Plessis (72 not out) and Quinton de Kock (55) have helped South Africa build a substantial lead. De Kock's wicket was the only one the visitors managed in the session as South Africa scored 101 in the 26 overs bowled. At the start of the day, with the lead already 170, Sri Lanka needed early wickets to curb the run flow. Instead, de Kock came out and struck a few crisp drives to get going and put the pressure back of the visitors. While du Plessis took time to open up, it was the left-hander's attacking strokeplay that helped South Africa surge ahead. Make no mistake, de Kock wasn't rash - the strokes were pure cricketing shots played with such pristine timing that can easily send the opposition's confidence crashing down. Sri Lanka struggled for close to 90 minutes for the first breakthrough. Even with the track deteriorating rapidly, they turned to Dhananjaya de Silva first before bringing on their frontline spinner. Lasith Embuldeniya struck in his second over of the day as he trapped de Kock in front soon after the lead went past 230. The left-hander did challenge the decision but replays showed the ball was crashing into the stumps. The 96-run stand, however, had ensured Sri Lanka were firmly pinned on the mat. Du Plessis reached his half-century soon after - off 108 deliveries - and ensured the lead soared past 250. With the track offering variable bounce, the pressure will now be once again on the fragile Sri Lankan batting line-up to produce the goods. If their form in the last four Tests is anything to go by, things aren't looking too promising for the visitors. The lead is now past 250 ... 50 UP: Soon after the wicket, du Plessis gets to his half-century. It has taken him 108 deliveries to get there but his partnership has really put the pressure on Sri Lanka. Lead 236. FIVE DOWN: Embuldeniya comes into the attack and strikes in his second over. De Kock went too far back to play the flick but missed the delivery. Trapped plumb in front. South Africa 191 for 5 and lead by 235 HALF-CENTURY: An overthrow and a misfield helps Quinton de Kock gets to his second half-century of the game. South Africa cruising at the moment and Sri Lanka are looking out of options already. He gets there off 56 balls. CLOSE: Sri Lanka need wickets and the luck just isn't going their way. Full and wide from Lakmal, du Plessis gets the thick edge and the ball goes to second slip. Kusal Mendis gets forward but the ball lands just in front of him and injures his finger. South Africa 180 for 4 and lead by 224 LEAD 200: Aggressive start from South Africa this. While du Plessis struck two crisp drives, de Kock has been hurting Sri Lanka with his scoring rate. They've helped the team past 150 and the lead is now 203. They still have six wickets in hand. Alright then, de Kock and du Plessis walk out to bat, Lakmal will start with the ball ... Hello and welcome to the live blog of the third day of the first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Durban. While Sri Lanka bossed the first day - keeping South Africa to 235 - the hosts surged ahead on the second with quick wickets and valuable runs in the last session. With the lead already 170, South Africa will look to stretch it beyond 250, which should be safe on this track. The Sri Lanka bowlers did well to take four wickets but with the track now starting to offer turn, their batsmen will have a much tougher job in hand whenever they come out to bat. Sri Lanka, barring the first Test in New Zealand, have been extremely poor since then and it's the batting that has led the team down time and again. Stay tuned folks as we bring you more updates from what should be a cracking day. © Cricbuzz TAGS RELATED STORIES<doc-sep>
Seam bowlers Vishwa Fernando and Kasun Rajitha shared seven wickets to put South Africa on the ropes at the start of the two-test series. (Sri Lanka cricket/Twitter) Seam bowlers Vishwa Fernando and Kasun Rajitha shared seven wickets to put South Africa on the ropes at the start of the two-test series. (Sri Lanka cricket/Twitter) Sri Lanka’s inexperienced bowlers made use of a helpful pitch to bowl South Africa out for 235 on the opening day of the first test on Wednesday, taking the early ascendancy in a series few people give the tourists a chance of winning. Seam bowlers Vishwa Fernando and Kasun Rajitha, with only seven tests of experience between them, shared seven wickets to put South Africa on the ropes at the start of the two-test series. Fernando took two wickets in his first spell _ removing openers Dean Elgar (0) and Aiden Markram (11) _ and finished with 4-62 as Sri Lanka jumped at the chance to put South Africa in to bat on a green pitch at Kingsmead that offered as much help to bowlers as it promised. Rajitha ended with 3-68 and there was a wicket on debut for left-arm spinner Lasith Ambuldeniya. Suranga Lakmal, the only member of Sri Lanka’s bowling lineup who had played more than five tests coming into the game, chipped in with the prize wicket of Hashim Amla for 3. But it was the new players who gave Sri Lanka hope of ending a three-series losing run. By stumps, Sri Lanka was 49-1 in reply and had fended off South Africa’s vaunted pace attack for now, with new captain Dimuth Karunaratne 28 not out. Oshada Fernando, the second Sri Lankan making his test debut, was 17 not out. At the start of the day, Vishwa Fernando and Lakmal combined to remove South Africa’s top three batsmen inside eight overs as the home team crashed to 17-3. South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma eased the pressure with a 72-run stand and Quinton de Kock made 80 down the order to take South Africa past 200. Du Plessis fell for 35 on the stroke of lunch to end South Africa’s best stand and Bavuma followed five overs after lunch for 47. He was run out at the non-striker’s end as de Kock’s straight drive ricocheted off bowler Vishwa Fernando’s foot and into the stumps. Bavuma was confirmed out by TV umpire Ian Gould by the tiniest of margins after a lengthy review, one of a series of incidents when the umpiring came under close scrutiny. On-field umpires Aleem Dar and Richard Kettleborough combined to make three errors, one of them a bizarre one when they refused a perfectly good decision review by the Sri Lankans. In that incident, Amla was given a let-off when still on zero and only two balls after Elgar was out. Amla was hit on the pads by Vishwa Fernando, Dar ruled not out after an lbw appeal, but even though Karunaratne signaled for a decision review, Dar didn’t refer the decision to the TV umpire. The problem appeared to be a timing error by the umpires, who indicated Karunaratne didn’t signal for the review within the 15-second limit. Karunaratne’s signal was within the 15 seconds, according to the TV broadcasters. Replays showed Amla was out. Ultimately, it didn’t cost Sri Lanka too much. Kettleborough also thought Amla wasn’t out when he edged behind soon after, believing the catch hadn’t carried to Kusal Mendis in the slips. Replays showed it carried comfortably and Gould got it right this time and sent Amla on his way. After lunch, Kettleborough gave de Kock out when he was on 5 for a catch behind. De Kock reviewed that decision, and it proved the ball came off his elbow, not bat or glove. Sri Lanka came to South Africa off a run of three straight series losses and six losses in its last seven tests. Sri Lanka’s last series victory came at home against South Africa last July. Since then, it has lost at home to England and away to New Zealand and Australia. South Africa has won seven series in a row at home after sweeping Pakistan 3-0 last month, moving the Proteas to No. 2 in the rankings behind India. Sri Lanka is ranked No. 6.