South Africa captain Hashim Amla scored his 22nd test century on Saturday to steer the visitors away from the risk of a follow-on and to 234-7 at tea on day three of the second test against Sri Lanka.
Amla was unbeaten on 119 at the break, with Dale Steyn on 18, with South Africa still 187 runs short of Sri Lanka’s first innings of 421.
Sri Lanka off spinner Dilruwan Perera had 4-58.
Resuming at 163-5 after lunch, J.P. Duminy was dismissed for three stumped by Niroshan Dickwella off left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and Vernon Philander was bowled by Perera.
South Africa was still 18 runs from avoiding the follow-on with only three wickets in hand, but Amla and Steyn negotiated the required runs.
