South Africa eke out draw

Tour Match, Colombo, day three:
South Africa 226 & 129-2 drew with Sri Lanka Board President's XI 251 & 286-3d

Smith showed he was in good touch ahead of the first Test

Graeme Smith showed good form as South Africa held on for a draw in their three-day tour match against a Sri Lanka Board President's XI in Colombo.

Skipper Smith made an unbeaten 85 as the tourists cruised to 129-2 chasing an unlikely 312 for victory.

The home side set South Africa that target after declaring their second innings on 286-3, which was highlighted by Michael Vandort's fine 129.

South Africa used nine bowlers but failed to make significant inroads.

Left-arm spinner Nicky Boje was the only visiting bowler to strike on the final day, removing Vandort and Russel Arnold, who made 83.

Vandort, who struck 19 fours and a six, put on 187 runs for the second wicket with Arnold.

Veteran keeper Romesh Kaluwitharana chipped in with an unbeaten 54.

Opening batsman Andrew Puttick (bowled) and Martin van Jaarsveld (caught and bowled) fell cheaply as South Africa lost two early wickets.

But Smith, whose 112-ball knock included 12 fours, kept the home attack safely at bay with Jacques Kallis, unbeaten on 25.

The first Tests gets under way in Galle on Wednesday.