South Africa lost Aiden Markram on Sunday as they chased a highly improbable 490 to win the second Test and avoid their first series defeat to Sri Lanka since 2006. Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath dismissed Markram lbw for 14 in a hectic 12 overs before tea on the third day of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo. The hosts dropped two straightforward catches, had a dismissal overturned and burned both their reviews, off consecutive balls, before South Africa went into the break on 42 for 1.

Opener Dean Elgar was bowled by Dilruwan Perera for six before being called back after replays showed a no-ball. He survived to 13 not out, alongside Theunis de Bruyn, unbeaten on eight. Having skittled out the visitors for 124 in their first innings and secured a 214-run lead, the hosts earlier declared on 275 for five.