Bad weather denied South Africa the chance to force a win against the touring Sri Lankan's. Once Gary Kirsten's 11th Test hundred, together with assistance from the middle-order powered their way to a demanding 420. From then on, the Sri Lankans were always on the back foot.

Muralitharan, accompanied by young seamer Dilhara Fernando took five wickets apiece, but it was not until the second evening, that a short ball from Fernando ended Kirsten's 461-ball marathon.

Sri Lanka then stumbled to 2 for two in reply, before Kumar Sangakkara and the inform Mahela Jayawardene added 168 for the third wicket. From there it all fell apart, as eight wickets tumbled for 46 runs, including Zoysa, who became South African Captain Shaun Pollock's 200th Test victim.


With a healthy 204 run lead, the home side opted to bat on and put Sri Lanka under real pressure on the final two days. Unfortunately the weather had other ideas. The fourth day was a washout, leaving South Africa what turned into a quick and untidy dash on the fifth morning, and then to get stuck into the Sri Lankans.

An unlikely 345 in 82 over s was Sri Lanka's task for the final act. They wobbled at 80 for two, with offspinner Nicky Boje claiming two scalps. Arnold and Dilshan then grafted out 52 runs in a little over 30 overs to steer their side away from trouble. Bad light ended proceedings eight overs early, but the portents for Sri Lanka were not good. They had struggled to compete in every department in Durban, would the weather save them again?
Richard Kendall