Sri Lanka sealed the fifth-highest run-chase in Test history, beating Zimbabwe by four wickets in Colombo on Tuesday.
Coming off a first ever ODI series victory against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe put in one of their best performances against Sri Lanka in the Test arena.
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The sides have clashed 18 times in Tests, but Zimbabwe have never recorded a victory, having lost 12 times and drawn six, but their record never halted the tight finish which occurred at the Premadasa Stadium.
The visitors got off to a great start setting a first-innings total of 356, epitomised by a career-best score of 160 by Craig Ervine.
Sri Lanka fell just 10 runs short, scoring 346, Upul Tharanga (71) and Dinesh Chandimal (55) both recording half-centuries.
Zimbabwean captain, Graeme Cremer, was the pick of the bowlers, ending up with career-best figures and his first ever five-for of 5-125.
The visitors extended their lead in their second innings, adding on to their 10-run lead despite a top-order collapse, Sikandar Raza getting his first ever century in Tests by scoring 127.
The 31-year-old was well supported by his lower order, Peter Moor (40), Malcolm Waller (68) and Cremer (48) all helping their side take the target to 388.
Sri Lanka’s chase was historic. Highlighted by a Kusal Mendis 66, Niroshan Dickwella (81) and Asela Gunaratne’s 80 not out, the home side recorded the third-highest fourth innings total, without a century being scored.
They also recorded the highest chase in their history, the highest run-chase in Asia and the fifth highest run-chase in Test history.
Photo: Ishara S. kodikara/AFP/Getty Images
