Muralitharan claims 7-97, Sri Lanka set 352 for win

COLOMBO, Aug 7 (Reuters) Muttiah Muralitharan claimed 7-97 as Sri Lanka bowled South Africa out for 311 in their second innings, leaving the hosts a target of 352 runs for victory in the second test today.

South Africa, resuming on 257 for seven, batted on for an hour before being bowled out, Muralitharan snapping up the wickets of Nicky Boje, Dale Steyn and Mark Boucher.

The tourist's then struck with the new ball to leave Sri Lanka on 48 for one at lunch with Sanath Jayasuriya on 13 and Kumar Sangakkara on 30.

Muralitharan's 56th five-wicket haul gave him 12 for 225 in the game, his fourth successive 10-wicket haul and the 18th of his career.

But Muralitharan was frustrated by wicket-keeper Boucher, 28 not out overnight, who scored an invaluable 65 from 102 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes. Boucher shared important stands with Boje for 45 and last-man Makhaya Ntini worth 29.

Muralitharan had Boje caught behind, trapped Steyn lbw and then ended Boucher's resistance after a remarkable reflex catch at short leg from Tillakaratne Dilshan.

The hosts started badly as Upul Tharanga edged a lifting delivery to slip where Herschelle Gibbs took a sharp chance.

Sangakkara counter-attacked with an aggressive cameo, hitting Dale Steyn out of the attack with four boundaries in an over. But he was also dropped on 28 by Ashwell Prince after a fierce shot.

South Africa's Ntini was forced to leave the field midway through his sixth over with what appeared to be an ankle problem.

REUTERS PM BS1319