Sri Lanka struggling after Ntini blitz

COLOMBO, Aug 5 (Reuters) South Africa's Makhaya Ntini ripped through Sri Lanka's top order to leave the hosts struggling on 210 for seven at tea on the second day of the second test today.

Sri Lanka collapsed to 86-5 in the morning with the loss of Upul Tharanga (two), Kumar Sangakkara (14), Mahela Jayawardene (13), Tillakaratne Dilshan (four) and Sanath Jayasuriya (47).

The hosts rallied after lunch with a quick 105-run, sixth wicket stand between Chamara Kapugedera and wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardene but still trail by 151 runs at tea.

Experienced all rounder Chaminda Vaas reached the interval on 14 with Farveez Maharoof on four.

Ntini provided the major threat for South Africa, striking in both his morning spells to finish with four for 63 from 15 overs.

He struck two early blows with the new ball as Tharanga top-edged an attempted pull and Sangakkara clipped a rising delivery off his hips straight to a carefully-positioned short-midwicket.

Jayasuriya and Jayawardene provided Sri Lanka with some brief respite by adding 31 runs for the third wicket, but Dale Steyn returned after a wayward first spell to take Jayawardene's wicket.

EXTRA BOUNCE Ntini returned to the attack just before lunch, a move the triggered the fall of two more important wickets.

Dilshan was surprised by some extra bounce and sharp movement from Ntini and chopped onto his leg stump, before Jayasuriya was caught at second slip for 47.

After going in at lunch on 98 for five, Sri Lanka launched a fight back through Kapugedera, who hit a stylish 63 from 77 balls including nine boundaries and two sixes.

Prasanna Jayawardene adopted a similarly positive approach in his 42 from 49 balls, as the pairing began to put up runs nicely.

However, just when the momentum was shifting back to the hosts, Kapugedera was bowled and then Steyn produced a perfect fast leg cutter that knocked back Jayawardene's off stump.

Sri Lanka lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first test by an innings and 153 runs.

REUTERS AY PC1628