Gunaratne followed his debut half-century with a century in only his second Test match to take his career average to 93. PHOTO: AFP
However, the fans did get something to cheer about as Craig Ervine and Brian Chari, both not out on 60, put together an unbeaten 109-run partnership to take Zimbabwe to 126-2 at stumps. Sri Lanka skipper Rangana Herath had claimed two early wickets to leave Zimbabwe reeling at 17-2 but the two ensured there were no more hiccups before stumps.
De Silva puts Sri Lanka in charge
Earlier in the day, Gunaratne — who was playing just his second Test — scored 116 to marshal the tail to good effect and frustrate the Zimbabwean bowlers, before his dismissal brought the end of the Sri Lankan innings on the stroke of tea.
The tourists began the day on 290-5, with Gunaratne on 13, but managed to reach 500 as the right-hander played well with the tail.
Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 225 runs in first Test
It was the fifth straight Test match in which Zimbabwe, who trail 1-0 in the two-match series, had conceded 500 runs in an innings.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 8th, 2016.
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