Angelo Mathews scored his tenth Test century and helped Sri Lanka gain a 12-run lead as they went to lunch on the fourth day on 370 for 5 in Harare on Wednesday (January 22). Dhananjaya de Silva was the only wicket to fall in the session as he made a 112-ball 63.
The first landmark of the day went to de Silva as he completed his half-century in the 108th over after Sri Lanka started the day on 295 for 4. Mathews completed his century seven overs later – off 272 balls – to ensure Sri Lanka looked set to pick up the ante. That plan, though, was jolted as Victor Nyauchi claimed his third wicket and sent back de Silva. He was caught at mid-on trying to force the pace.
Things could have been slightly in favor of Zimbabwe had Regis Chakabva not put down Mathews in the 124th over. The batsman got a thick outside edge trying to cut a length delivery only for the ‘keeper to grass the opportunity. He was in trouble once again against Ainsley Ndlovu in the 128th over as he almost chopped back a delivery onto the stumps before it bounced back. Niroshan Dickwella and Mathews stretched their association to 45 off 106 at the break as Zimbabwe continued to toil.
Brief scores: Zimbabwe 358 (Craig Ervine 85; Lasith Embuldeniya 5-114) trail Sri Lanka 370/5 (Angelo Mathews 129*; Victor Nyauchi 3-56) by 12 runs.
