The Proteas top order failed to fire again as South Africa look to build on their 170-run lead on Day Three of the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Having slumped to 89/4 in their first innings on Day One, Hashim Amla and the rest of the top order did no better on Thursday as they fell to 95/4 before reaching 126/4 at the close of play last night.
Aiden Markram (28), Amla (16) and Temba Bavuma (3) all got out thanks to bad shot selection before Dean Elgar (35) was brilliantly caught and bowled by debutant spinner Lasith Ambuldeniya as Sri Lanka’s attack tested the hosts’ mettle.
SA started the day in defence of their first-innings 235 with the Lankans resuming on 49/1.
And the Proteas pace attack did their job to buy their team a lead of 54 after bowling out the visitors for 191.
Dale Steyn was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/48. Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada took two pieces and Duanne Olivier got the balance before Markram produced some magic to run out Kasun Rajitha.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj, who was included at the expense of another batsman, bowled just three overs, conceding 16 runs.