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Cape Town - Sri Lanka's batsman Dimuth Karunaratne believes that the islanders will be able to chase the record-breaking total to win the first Test match against the Proteas in Port Elizabeth.
The tourists struggled to adapt and found it difficult to convert starts to substantial innings, which saw them fall to pace bowlers Vernon Philander and Kyle Abbott in the first innings.
Opening batsman Karunaratne said that he struggled to face Abbott on the St. Georges deck and revealed that Abbott and Kagiso Rabada are the danger men leading into the final day.
"For me, Kyle Abbott was the toughest bowler," said Karunaratne, as quoted by Cricinfo. "He is quick and he moves the ball both ways. Vernon Philander also moves the ball both ways, but because he's a bit slower, he can be managed. But Abbott and Kagiso Rabada will be tough.
Faf du Plessis' team declared at 406/6 with Sri Lanka chasing a record-breaking 488 for victory.
Karunaratne steadied the tourists second innings with a opening partnership of 87 with Kaushal Silva before being run out for 43.
The Sri Lankan batsman believes that if they spend enough time at the wicket, they could pull an upset against the home crowd.
"If we can get through the morning session, who knows - we could win this match," Karunaratne said.
"The wicket is good. We don't have to play risky shots. We have to spend enough time in the middle..."
"If the batsmen can play them well, we have a chance," said Karunaratne.
The Proteas are still favourites to win, as they need five wickets to seal the first Test match with a second new ball option available.
Skipper Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva will resume for Sri Lanka on the final day of the first Test on 240/5 and require 248 runs for victory.
