Kaushal Silva and Janaka Gunaratne hit eighties to lead Sri Lanka A's strong reply to South Africa A's 419 on the second day. The hosts ended the day only 166 runs short with six wickets in hand.
Resuming on 339 for 5, South Africa went past the 400 mark thanks to the well-set Heino Kunh who made 87 and stayed till the very end. Sachithra Senanayake, the offspinner, was the main wicket-taker for the hosts in the morning, not allowing the overnight pair to run away to a bigger score. He finished with 3 for 74 as Kuhn ran out of partners. Seekkuge Prasanna, the legspinner, ended the innings with the wicket of Kuhn, caught by Dimuth Karunaratne.
The South African seamers struck early, taking the first two wickets for 35 by the tenth over. Gunaratne and Silva came together at the fall of the fourth wicket, at 120. Gunaratne scored at a quicker rate, hitting 13 fours and two sixes in his 89, off 103 balls. Silva remained unbeaten on 81, off 156 balls. Their unbroken 133-run stand ensured the hosts stayed on top on the second day.