South Africa were 2-63 in their second innings at lunch on the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Saturday.

Faf du Plessis was not out eight and skipper Hashim Amla was on seven.

South Africa, who bowled out Sri Lanka for 292 in the first innings after declaring at 9-455, hold an overall lead of 226 runs with eight wickets in hand.

Captain Angelo Mathews top-scored with 89. Upul Tharanga had earlier held the home side’s innings together with 83.

Dale Steyn was the most successful bowler with figures of 5-54, well supported by Morne Morkel with 3-49.

Sri Lanka added just nine runs after resuming at 9-283 in the morning session, Morkel wrapping up the innings when he dismissed Rangana Herath for 19.

South Africa started poorly in their second innings, losing opening batsmen Dean Elgar for 12 to make it 1-33 and Alviro Petersen for 32 (2-55). Elgar had made 103 in the first innings.

Spin bowlers Herath and Dilruwan Perera took one wicket apiece.

The second and final Test will be played in Colombo from July 24-28.