NEW DELHI: Dane Paterson delivered his finest bowling performance with figures of 5-71, whilst Temba Bavuma remained not out on 48 as South Africa reached 191 for three in their second innings on Saturday at St George's Park in Gqeberha, establishing a 221-run advantage.
The Sri Lankan first innings concluded at 328, with Paterson spearheading the South African pace attack. The 35-year-old seamer's efforts contributed significantly as the visitors lost seven wickets for just 67 runs.
Bavuma, who has been in excellent form with two fifties and a century in the series, will continue batting on day four alongside Tristan Stubbs (36 not out). Their partnership has yielded 82 runs for the fourth wicket, gradually extending South Africa's lead.
The match holds significant importance for both teams in their quest to secure a spot in next year's World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's.
Prabath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka's left-arm spinner, claimed Tony de Zorzi for 19, bowling him through the gate. Jayasuriya also dismissed Ryan Rickelton (24) lbw, while Vishwa Fernando had Aiden Markram caught behind by Kusal Mendis for 55.
The day's scoring proceeded slowly across all three sessions on a surface where the new ball proved decisive.
Sri Lanka began Saturday on 242 for three, resisting for 10 overs before Angelo Mathews departed for 44. Marco Jansen (2-100) dismissed both Mathews and Kamindu Mendis (48).
Paterson's impressive spell saw him remove Dhananjaya de Silva (14), Kusal Mendis (16), and Lahiru Kumara (0) in quick succession. Jansen's remarkable diving catch at gully dismissed Kumara, while Paterson completed his first Test five-wicket haul by removing Vishwa Fernando (2).
Following their 233-run victory in Durban last week, South Africa could secure a WTC final spot by winning this match and their upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan.
