South African pacer Anrich Nortje continued his fast-bowling form in the longest format too as he took six wickets against Sri Lanka in the second Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, after his IPL exploits with the Delhi Capitals.
Sri Lanka, like the first Test, chose to bat again after winning the toss. Unlike Centurion, Sri Lanka had a sedate start to their innings. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera were watchful from the start and kept the Proteas bowlers at the bay.
However, Nortje broke through Karunaratne's defence as he edged straight into the hands of Proteas skipper Quinton de Kock. Perera and Lahiru Thrimanne managed to consolidate for some time and stitched a 50-run partnership.
But, Wiaan Mulder threw the Lankans off-guard as the pace all-rounder started a wicket procession as the tourists lost three wickets to him and were staring at a collapse. Nortje removed Minod Bhanuka to reduce Sri Lanka to 84/5 at Lunch.
After luch, Wanindu Hasaranga showed some resilience, but they couldn't find answers to Nortje's pace and bounce.
Nortje kept bowling in the uncerain top of the off line and length and Sri Lanka's middle and lower order kept edging it.
The 26-year old finished with the figures of 6/55, his best yet in the longest format, as South Africa bowled out the visitors for a paltry 157 in the first innings, after losing the toss.
