Colombo, July 28:

Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene pulverised South Africa’s bowling with double-centuries during Test cricket’s second-highest partnership of 471 here today.

Resuming at overnight score of 14-2, the pair batted through the entire second day’s play of the first Test as Sri Lanka amassed 485-2 in their first innings by stumps, a lead of 316 over South Africa’s meagre first innings total of 169. Sangakkara ended the day at 229 not out, his fourth Test double-century and the second in successive matches against South Africa.

Skipper Jayawardene walked off with an unbeaten 224, his third double hundred, and ensured the hosts were well-placed to take the lead in the short two-match series.

The duo are in line to surpass the biggest stand in the Test history — 576 by Sri Lankans Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama against India here at Premadasa Stadium in 1997.