Dynamic duo put SL on top 29 Jul 2006 By: Michelle Hamberger

An unbroken 471 run stand between Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene has enabled Sri Lanka to be well and truly on top at the end of Day 2. South Africa in comparison, had a wicketless day full of frustration and lots of fielding practice, as Sangakkara and Jayawardene piled on the runs.

This was the second highest partnership in Test match history, and eclipsed the previous second best Test partnership between New Zealanders Andrew Jones and Martin Crowe.

The pair were able to exploit a pitch which has a reputation for being best for batting on day 2, with lots of elegant strokes and excellent shot selection. The South African bowlers toiled long and hard, with hardly a chance all day. Except for the final over, where Mark Boucher failed to prevent four leg byes from a thin Sangakkara edge off the bowling of Nicky Boje.

At stumps Sangakkara was 229 not out, while Jayawardene was 224 not out. They had been at the crease together for 10 hours.

This gave Sri Lanka a 316 run first innings lead over South Africa, with a huge total of 485/2 at the end of Day 2.

South Africa 169 all out
AB de Villiers 65
CRD Fernando 4-48, M Muralitharan 4-41

Sri Lanka 485-2
KC Sangakkara 229*, DPMD Jayawardene 224*
DW Steyn 2-30

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