Cricket: Pradeep Leads Sri Lankan Comeback

JOHANNESBURG, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jan, 2017 ) - Nuwan Pradeep took four wickets as Sri Lanka came back strongly on the second day of the third and final Test against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Friday.

South Africa were 398 for eight at lunch, losing five wickets and scoring only 60 runs in 24 overs as Sri Lanka had their best period of play in a series which South Africa lead 2-0. Although Pradeep was the most successful bowler, taking his four wickets for 15 runs in seven overs, it was an impressive collective bowling performance by the Sri Lankan seamers in overcast conditions on a pitch which seemed to have more life than on the first day.

Suranga Lakmal bowled superbly from the start of play after South Africa resumed at 338 for three, conceding nine runs in seven overs, four of which came from overthrows, and having South African captain Faf du Plessis dropped by Kusal Mendis at second slip.

Angelo Mathews, who opened the bowling with Lakmal at start of play, sent down five overs for nine runs and dismissed nightwatchman Duanne Olivier. Hashim Amla, who resumed on 125 not out, could add only nine more runs off 44 balls before he was caught behind to become Pradeep's third victim. Pradeep finished the morning with innings figures of four for 73.