Sri Lanka was nearing an innings defeat after losing 12 wickets on the third day of the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town.
Following on, the tourists were 4 for 138 at the close, still 203 runs short of making South Africa bat again.
South Africa's fast bowlers, backed by the leg spin of Imran Tahir, put Sri Lanka's batsmen under inexorable pressure after the first two days of the decisive Test were dominated by batsmen.
"The South African attack didn't give us a chance to relax at any time," admitted Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal, who made a fighting 35 in the first innings.
"The batsmen had to concentrate hard and were always under pressure."
Only six wickets fell while 729 runs were scored in the first two days but it was a complete contrast on Thursday as 12 wickets fell for 228 runs despite conditions remaining largely favourable for batting.
Sri Lanka was bowled out for 239 in its first innings, with fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander taking three wickets apiece.
After missing the second Test in Durban, where Sri Lanka pulled off a shock win to level the series, Philander slotted right back into the attack, bowling a tight line and making a crucial breakthrough during a spell of one for three in six overs.
South Africa led by 341 runs on the first innings and Philander struck again in the fourth over of the follow-on when Tillekeratne Dilshan drove loosely at a ball which moved away, edging a catch to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.
Philander admitted that it was a challenge for the bowlers to have to bowl in two successive innings on a pitch which he said lacked pace.
"Having such a big lead we obviously had to make them follow on," said Philander, who took his tally of wickets in his first four Tests to 28, with the possibility of more to come on Friday.
"Tomorrow morning will be a whole new ball game.
"The boys will be fresh again and the legs will be ready to go."
Sri Lanka collapsed in its first innings, losing 8 for 90 after resuming on 2 for 149.
Steyn took 3 for 56 and Philander 3 for 46.
Both bowled superbly with Steyn's figures for the day an impressive 3 for 16 off eight overs, while Philander was even better, his three wickets costing 12 runs off nine overs.
AFP
Tags: sport, cricket, south-africa, sri-lanka First posted January 06, 2012 07:22:05
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