South African X1 make 323/6

BENONI, Dec. 10 - South African Invitation XI, electing to bat first, made 323 for 6 at stumps in their first innings on day two of their three-day match against Sri Lanka at Willowmoore Park here today. Sri Lanka's tour opener got off this morning after the entire first day's play on Friday was washed off by rain. At least 17 overs of play was lost in the final session today as bad light brought a premature end.

Sri Lanka's tour opener got off this morning after the entire first day's play on Friday was washed off by rain.

The home team got off to a blistering start with openers Reeza Hendricks (66 off 102 balls with one six and ten fours) and Dean Elgar (78 off 110 balls with one six and ten fours) adding 148 runs for the first wicket in 34.4 overs.

But Sri Lanka came back into the picture removing both the openers within the space of six deliveries. The first two go was Hendricks who was clean bowled by Dilhara Fernando and in the very next over, Elgar was caught by Mahela Jayawardene off Ajantha Mendis. However, another 95-run stand between No.3 bat Stiaan van Zyl (53 off 113 balls with five boundaries) and No.4 bat Rilee Rossouw (52 off 103 balls with one six and four fours) saw South African Invitation X1 going great guns at 245 for 2 in the 68th over.

Sri Lanka bounced back once more to remove both Zyl and Rossouw in quick succession as the home team lost three wickets with the addition of 21 runs. Spinner Rangana Herath was instrumental in halting South African run chase with two quick wickets.

South Africa Invitation XI: First innings 323 for 6 at stumps (Reeza Hendricks 66, Dean Elgar 78, Stiaan van Zyl 53, Rilee Rossouw 52, Farhaan Behardien 43 n.o, Thami Tsolekile 22, Dilhara Fernando 2 for 62, Rangana Herath 2 for 44) vs Sri Lanka.