Niroshan Dickwella and Asela Gunaratne hit crucial half centuries to guide Sri Lanka to its highest-ever run chase as the host defeated Zimbabwe by four wickets on the final day of an intriguing one-off Test on Tuesday.
Chasing 388 for a win, the host, which had lost its first one-day international series against Zimbabwe prior to the Test, had been reduced to 203 for five before Dickwella and Gunaratne combined in a stand of 121 to anchor the chase.
Dickwella was out for 81 while Gunaratne, who battled on despite suffering from a hamstring injury, remained 80 not out. Sri Lanka’s previous highest run chase was against South Africa in 2006 when it made 352 for nine.
The touring side, chasing its first Test win against Sri Lanka, made a good start to the final day when it picked up two early wickets through captain Graeme Cremer after the host had resumed on 170 for three.
The leg-spinner, who took his maiden five-wicket haul in the first innings, took his second innings tally to four victims when he sent back Kusal Mendis, who made 66.
Former captain Angelo Mathews was dismissed for 25.
Rangana Herath was named player of the series.
