SL on top despite Amla ton

COLOMBO, July 26 (AFP): Captain Hashim Amla struck a gritty 139 not out but failed to stop Sri Lanka from taking the driver's seat in the second and final Test against South Africa Saturday.

Amla, 31, batted for more than eight hours to frustrate the Sri Lankan spinners who shared nine wickets between them to bowl out South Africa for 282 in their first innings.

Sri Lanka, who made 421 in their first essay, were 11-0 at stumps in their second innings on the third day for an overall lead of 150.

Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera (5-69) grabbed a five-wicket haul, his second in five Tests, while left-armer Rangana Herath chipped in with 4-71.

South Africa's weaknesses against spin were exposed as none of the batsmen, barring Amla, could even make a half-century despite the fact the wicket was no minefield.

"There were phases when the runs dried up, it was tough scoring runs," said South African coach Russell Domingo after the day's play.

"It wasn't easy for us because of the consistency of their spinners. It would have been great if we had scored 100 more runs. 140-odd is a big lead, it's a substantial lead. Sri Lanka are obviously in a very good position," he said.

For Amla, it was his first century as South Africa's Test captain. He faced 382 balls and hit 12 fours in his marathon effort.

Sri Lanka 421 and 11 for 0 lead South Africa 282 (Amla 139*, Perera 5-69, Herath 4-71) by 150 runs.