South Africa's batsman AB de Villiers leaves the field after his dismissal for 99. Photo / AP
Ab de Villiers fell for 99 to a dubious catch but still helped South Africa to 389-9 and a commanding 209-run lead over Sri Lanka in the first test yesterday.
De Villiers walked off one short of a 13th test century after asking substitute fielder Dimuth Karunaratne if his low catch off Thisara Perera - which looked like it might have hit the ground - was good.
But, despite his personal disappointment, De Villiers' third straight half-century ensured South Africa were in complete control of the series opener at stumps on the second day at SuperSport Park.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 180 and the bowlers were struggling by the close of play after De Villiers shared a 97-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Ashwell Prince (39) and South Africa eventually broke free.
A 39-run last-wicket stand between Mark Boucher, who was 49 not out, and Imran Tahir (24 not out) then rammed home South Africa's advantage in the last hour of play as Sri Lanka's attack fell away after making inroads earlier in the day.
De Villiers hit 12 fours to continue his strong run of form after he made 64 and 73 in South Africa's last test, against Australia at Johannesburg last month.
He drove straight down the ground and to the boundary to move to 99 but tried to cut Perera's next ball away on the off side and was caught low down by Karunaratne, who snapped up the ball at backward point.
De Villiers preferred not to send the catch to a video review, but rather took Karunaratne's word and headed off at his home ground. Television replays showed some doubt over the catch, although the young fielder was still right to claim the 50-50 chance.
"It's history now," De Villiers said. "If he said he caught it, that's it."
After De Villiers departed, Boucher moved to the brink of just his second half-century in 18 months with six boundaries.
"The first half of today, before lunch, was much better than the second half, let's put it that way," Sri Lanka batting coach Marvan Atapattu said.
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