Centurion: Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis shared an unbeaten century partnership as South Africa recovered from a shaky start on the second day of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka at Centurion Park on Saturday.

South Africa was 183 for two at the close in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 323.

Sri Lanka, whose total was built around an unbeaten 104 by Hashan Tillekeratne, had South Africa struggling at 71 for two before Gibbs (76 not out) and Kallis (69 not out) came together in a stand of 112.

Gibbs was unusually subdued and kept his normal extravagant stroke play in check against defensive field placings by the Sri Lankan pace bowlers. Muthiah Muralitharan, the tourists' only spinner, failed to take a wicket despite bowling 20 economical overs in which he conceded only 38 runs.

Gibbs and Kallis were together for 176 minutes and took their side away from the possibility of embarrassment after the selectors opted for an all-pace attack and skipper Shaun Pollock sent Sri Lanka in.

Fast bowler Dilhara Fernando took both South African wickets, trapping Graeme Smith leg before for 15 and having Gary Kirsten caught at gully for 11.

South African fast bowler Makhaya Ntini took three wickets in five balls to put Tillekeratne's century at risk. Tillekeratne was on 91 when Ntini's burst left Sri Lanka reeling at 281 for nine.

Last man Muralitharan stayed long enough for the left-handed Tillekeratne to become the first Sri Lankan to hit a Test century in South Africa. It was Tillekeratne's 10th career Test hundred.

Muralitharan was the major contributor to a Sri Lankan record 10th wicket partnership against South Africa of 42. Muralitharan, with a mixture of determined defence and old-fashioned slogs, slammed 27 off 26 balls with five fours and a six.

His six came after he was hit a painful blow on the left wrist by Ntini. He stepped away towards leg and swung the next ball cross-batted into the crowd beyond the midwicket boundary. In the previous over he hit three fours off Steve Elworthy.

Ntini was South Africa's most successful bowler, taking four for 86. Kallis took three for 71 and finished off the innings when he bowled Muralitharan, who played down the wrong line when he tried a rare textbook forward defensive stroke.

Tillekeratne, by contrast, continued to play in the restrained manner, which took him to 82 not out overnight. Tillekeratne, 35, needed 73 minutes and 42 balls on Saturday to advance to his century, which was scored in 314 minutes off 223 balls. He hit 17 fours and finished with 104 not out.

The highest individual score for Sri Lanka in six previous Tests in South Africa was 98, by Mahela Jayawardene in Durban and Kumar Sangakkara at Centurion, both during the 2000/01 season.

Sri Lankan batsmen have made five centuries in six Tests in their own country. South Africa won the first Test in Johannesburg by an innings and 64 runs.

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Stoic Tillakaratne helps Sri Lanka to 263/6 on day 1