Vishwa Fernando and Kasun Rajitha impressed for the visitors as Sri Lanka made a strong start against hosts South Africa in the first Test between the two sides at Durban on Wednesday.
A spirited performance from the two bowlers saw the islanders bowl out South Africa for just 235 runs in their first innings. In response, Sri Lanka had reached 49-1 in their first innings before stumps were drawn on day one.
Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and had no hesitation in bowling first on a promising surface at Durban. The visitors started extremely well with the new-ball with Fernando dismissing Dean Elgar for a duck in just the second over of the day.
Hashim Amla fell for just three to Suranga Lakmal before Fernando castled Aiden Markram to reduce South Africa to 17-3. A 72-run stand for the fourth-wicket ensued between skipper Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma before Rajitha had the former caught behind.
Quinton de Kock played a counter-attacking innings of 80.
Once Fernando ran out Bavuma, it was all downhill for the Proteas who only got past the 200-run mark due to a counter-attacking innings of 80 from wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.
Rajitha finished with figures of 3-68 while Fernando returned with 4-62 with the two inexperienced Sri Lanka pacers combining for eight of the 10 South African wickets to fall.
The hosts made a strong start as well with the ball with veteran pacer Dale Steyn dismissing Lahiru Thirimanne for a duck but Karunaratne held his nerves with an unbeaten 28 to help Sri Lanka see out the last phase of play without any further damage.
BRIEF SCORES
South Africa first innings: 235 all out (59.4 overs)
Quinton de Kock: 80 (94)
Vishwa Fernando: 4-62 (17 overs)
Kasun Rajitha: 3-68 (14.4 overs)
Sri Lanka first innings: 49-1 (16 overs)
