South Africa vs Sri Lanka: Karunaratne eyes history in Port Elizabeth

Clear heads and positive play will be key if Sri Lanka wants to record a first series win in South Africa, says Dimuth Karunaratne.

Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne believes the Port Elizabeth pitch offers the Sri Lankans the chance to make history.

Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne believes the Port Elizabeth pitch offers the Sri Lankans the chance to make history in South Africa this week.

After the sensational one-wicket victory in the first contest in Durban, Sri Lanka could claim its first Test-series win in South Africa if it can avoid defeat at St George's Park.

Kusal Perera rescued the tourists at Kingsmead with an incredible batting performance that saw him score 153 of its 304-run second-innings target. Karunaratne hopes the rest of his side's batting line-up will be able to assist more in Port Elizabeth, particularly on a pitch that is not as conducive to fast bowling like the ones in previous Tests.

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"We had a tough two games in Australia on fast and bouncy wickets," the skipper told reporters.

"We consistently got pitches where bowlers were bowling 150kph. But I told my team-mates that here it's much easier than in Australia. You have to get better, from that experience. You have to keep your head clear and play positively.

"I think we saw that in the last game. This Port Elizabeth pitch is a pretty good wicket compared to the others, like Johannesburg, which is fast and bouncy. We have a good batting wicket here We came here to win matches, I just want to make sure the boys give their maximum each day."