Cricket-Jayawardene hits fifty after Steyn rocks Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, July 24 (Reuters) - Mahela Jayawardene scored an unbeaten half-century in an eventful morning session to help Sri Lanka overcome Dale Steyn's early double strike and reach 115 for three at lunch on the opening day of the second test against South Africa on Thursday.

Jayawardene hit seven fours in his chanceless 53 off 63 balls, his 49th test half-century, while skipper Angelo Mathews Was yet to open his account after South Africa had captured the wicket of Kaushal Silva (44) in the last over before lunch.

Silva edged a wide delivery from off-spinner JP Duminy to the hands of AB de Villiers at slip to end his 99-run stand with Jayawardene.

The opener got a life on nine when Alviro Petersen dropped him at third slip and also at 17 when he edged Duminy between wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock and slip fielder de Villiers.