Sri Lanka reaches 76-3 at lunch vs. South Africa

CENTURION, South Africa (AP) — Sri Lanka battled to 76-3 at lunch after being put in on a bouncy, seaming wicket on day one of the first test against South Africa on Thursday.

Opener Tharanga Paranavitana was bowled for 32 by Vernon Philander just before the break at SuperSport Park to put the Proteas narrowly on top in the series opener following the early dismissals of Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara.

Paranavitana and Mahela Jayawardene (23 not out) produced a gutsy half-century partnership after those two wickets fell in the space of four balls to leave the tourists 12-2 early in the first session.

But Philander (2-30) shattered Paranavitana's stumps 15 minutes before the break to end a stubborn 54-run stand as South Africa sought to take advantage of the lively surface at Centurion.

The experienced former captain Jayawardene held Sri Lankan hopes of a competitive first-innings score. Fellow veteran Thilan Samaraweera was 6 not out alongside him.

Dilshan fell for 6 to an ugly top-edged pull shot off Dale Steyn in the fifth over to give favorite South Africa the early momentum in the three-match series and gift Steyn his 250th test wicket.

Steyn reached the milestone in his 49th test, the second quickest bowler to get there after former Australia great Dennis Lillee achieved the feat in 48 matches.

Sangakkara (1) was dismissed by Philander straight after when he sent an outside edge to Jacques Kallis at second slip and the early breakthroughs justified Graeme Smith's decision to ask the tourists to bat on a green track at Centurion.

Paravitana rode an uncomfortable spell when he was hit on the helmet by Morne Morkel and struck on the shoulder by Philander in quick succession, but he fought back with four fours and frustrated the bowlers alongside Jayawardene to drag Sri Lanka from 12-2 to 66-2.

The left-hander whipped a leg glance away for his fourth boundary in the 23rd over, but Philander struck next ball and for the second time in the session with a full, pacey delivery.