COLOMBO, Sept 8: South Africa were In an excellent position to beat Shri Lanka In the second Test after the home side finished the third day 278 behind with six second Innings wicket* left today, reports Reuter.

Having bowled the Shri Lankans out for 168 tn the first innings, South Africa piled up 495, their highest total in Tests since their return to the international fray from Isolation.

Allan Donald and Brett Schultz then struck a double blow by dismissing openers Roshan Mahapama and Chandika Hathuruslnghe before they had ■cored.

Brian McMillan and Richard Snell also captured a wicket apiece tn the final session as the Shri Lankans limped to 49 for four at the close.

The South African batsmen, spearheaded by vice-captain Hansie Cronje who hit a marathon second Test century In 412 minutes, occupied the crease for 181 overs before the tolling Shri Lankan bowlers finally dismissed them 45 minutes after tea.

Cronje showed great discipline and concentration in shaping South Africa's lead, especially when four quick wickets fell In the morning session.

He held the batting together, facing 297 balls and hitting 11 fours in h1s Innings of 122 before being bowled by part-time off-spinncr Aravinda de Silva

attempting to work the bail through vacant third man.

Cronje put on 105 with Dany Cullinan (52) for the third

The tiny off-spinner flung himself to hl* right to hold onto ■ remarkable return catch.

Jonty Rhode*, attempting a •harp single. was run out for 10. and in the same over Muralldharan turned the ball prodigiously to bowl McMillan, who did not offer a stroke.

David Richardson was held pad and bat by Jayasuriya off Muralldharan. but when Shri Lanka looked like running through the tall, there was more resistance from Pat Symcox.

The spinner not only hit hi* maiden Test 60 with one six and five fours but shared tn lucrative stands of 68 with Cronje and 79 with Richard Snell to push the Test beyond Shri Lanka's reach.

De Slhra dismissed both Symcox and Snell to finish with figures of three for 39. his best tn Test cricket, while Muralt-dharan also Improved. on his best Test figures by talcing five for IO1.

wicket before Cullinan became the first of off-spinner Muthiah Muralidharan's three wickets before lunch in an unchanged spell.