Kumar Sangakkara scored his third Test double century on Thursday as Sri Lanka reached 395 runs for five wickets at lunch on the second day of the second cricket Test against South Africa.
Resuming on 157, Sangakkara survived a chance after adding 20 runs to his overnight total when pace bowler Shaun Pollock dropped a sharp low catch off his own bowling. He had already been dropped on 57 on Wednesday by Jacques Kallis at first slip.
Sangakkara was unbeaten at lunch on 218 runs from 337 balls, which included 29 fours and a six off spinner Nicky Boje.
Sangakkara’s previous double hundreds were against Pakistan in 2002 and his best score of 270 came against Zimbabwe earlier this year.
Night watchman Chaminda Vaas was the first batsman dismissed on Thursday when he was caught by Martin van Jaarsveld at first slip off Pollock for 10 runs.
Thilan Samaraweera joined Sangakkara for a 76-run stand in 126 balls before pulling Kallis in the air only to be caught by Makhaya Ntini at deep square leg for 21.
Sangakkara and number-four batsman Mahela Jayawardene rode on some sloppy South African fielding on Wednesday and recorded a 192-run stand for the third wicket after the home side lost captain Marvan Atapattu on the fourth ball of the day.
Pollock bowled a steady line and length on a pitch that favoured batsmen and recorded figures 2-63 in 22 overs. — Sapa-AP