South Africa, who elected to bat after winning the toss in the first of the three-match series on Friday, made 5-163, thanks largely to man of the match Markram's hitting, before restricting Sri Lanka to 6-135.

Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks gave South Africa a solid start by sharing 73 runs for the first wicket, before leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga struck in quick succession, removing de Kock (36) and Hendricks (38) to leave the visitors at 2-79.

Spinner Maheesh Theekshana then trapped Heinrich Klaasen (2) lbw before Markram and David Miller (26 off 15) rebuilt the innings, sharing a fourth wicket partnership of 65 off 35 deliveries.

Markram hit one four and two sixes in his innings, with Hasaranga proving the best of the Sri Lankan attack with 2-23 off his four overs.

South Africa's bowlers were tight from the start, as vishka Fernando and Dinesh Chandimal could only give the home team a modest start with a 34-run opening partnership before Fernando (11) was run out in the sixth over.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa was out to the first ball of the next over, trapped lbw by left-arm spinner, captain Keshav Maharaj.

Charith Asalanka (six off 19) failed to increase the scoring rate and was caught in the deep by Dwaine Pretorius off left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.

Chandimal did his best and was still there at the end on a career-best 66 not out, his 54-ball innings having included five fours and two sixes, but it proved all in vain.

Australian Associated Press