Craig Ervine's century lifts Zimbabwe out of trouble against Sri Lanka

Updated on: 15 July,2017 12:47 PM IST | Colombo
AFP |

Batsman Craig Ervine hit an unbeaten 151 to pull Zimbabwe out of trouble on the opening day of their one-off Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo yesterday

Zimbabwe's Craig Ervine celebrates after scoring a ton v Sri Lanka during Day One of the one-off Test at Colombo yesterday. Pic/AFP

Batsman Craig Ervine hit an unbeaten 151 to pull Zimbabwe out of trouble on the opening day of their one-off Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo yesterday.

Ervine's career-best effort lifted Zimbabwe from a precarious 70-4 to 344-8 at stumps. Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Rangana Herath took four wickets. The left-handed batsman held on with Donald Tiripano (24 not out) at the end of play, putting on a frustrating 62-run stand for the ninth wicket.

Ervine, who surpassed his previous Test best of 146 against New Zealand in Bulawayo last year, built crucial partnerships including a 84-run fifth-wicket stand with Sikandar Raza (36).

It was the 31-year-old's second Test ton in the 12th Test of his seven-year-old international career. He swept Herath for a single to achieve the feat.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels