Safs hold edge

Opener Herschelle Gibbs top-scored with a battling 92 to steer South Africa into a strong position against Sri Lanka on the third day of the second Test on Sunday. South Africa batted through a closely-fought third day to close on 257 for seven.

Gibbs, under pressure after three cheap dismissals in the series, batted positively in the morning and then grafted hard during the afternoon as Sri Lanka bowled tightly to defensive fields. The 32-year-old right-hander stroked 11 boundaries and one six during a 190-ball innings before missing out on what could have been his first Test hundred for 19 months and the 15th of his career.

The Sri Lankans were kept in the game by prolific off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan who snared three wickets in the final session to finish with four for 86, one short of a record-equalling fourth consecutive 10-wicket match haul.

Brief scores: South Africa 1st innings 361 and 257/7 H Gibbs 92, A Hall 32, AB de Villiers 33, M Boucher 28 not out; Muralitharan 4/86 vs Sri Lanka 1st innings 321