Sri Lanka struggling as Ntini rips through top order

COLOMBO, Aug 5 (Reuters) South Africa's Makhaya Ntini ripped through Sri Lanka's top order to leave the hosts struggling on 98 for five at lunch on the second day of the second test today.

Replying to South Africa's 361 all out, Sri Lanka lost Upul Tharanga (two), Kumar Sangakkara (14), Mahela Jayawardene (13), Tillakaratne Dilshan (four) and Sanath Jayasuriya (47) during the first session.

Chamara Kapugedera was on 12 with wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardene on one.

Ntini finished with four for 33 from nine overs spread over two incisive spells.

Ntini 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.

Sri Lanka briefly recovered with Jayasuriya and Jayawardene adding 31 runs for the third wicket.

But Dale Steyn, returning after a wayward first spell, was gifted the wicket of Jayawardene who slashed at a wide delivery and edged to wicket-keeper Mark Boucher.

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. Jayasuriya was then caught at second slip for 47 as Ntini.

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

REUTERS PM PM1322