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Ervine's unbeaten 151 leads Zimbabwe recovery in Sri Lanka

Ervine's unbeaten 151 leads Zimbabwe recovery in Sri Lanka

By REUTERS

Zimbabwe's Peter Moor plays a shot in front of Sri Lanka's Niroshan Dickwella watches during the first day's play of the only test match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, July 14, 2017. Photo: AP

COLOMBO: Craig Ervine hit an unbeaten 151 for his highest score as Zimbabwe recovered from a shaky start to reach 344 for eight at stumps against hosts Sri Lanka on the opening day of the one-off test at R. Premadasa Stadium. Sri Lanka's spin spearhead Rangana Herath struck early as Zimbabwe were reduced to 38-3 after winning the toss and electing to bat first. But left-handed Ervine, who hit his second test hundred, compiled two half-century partnerships with Sikandar Raza (36) and Malcolm Waller (36) to lead the fightback for Zimbabwe, who beat Sri Lanka 3-2 in the recent one-day international series. Left-arm spinner Herath finished as the most successful bowler with four wickets for 106 Sri Lanka, who were playing the first match under new test captain Dinesh Chandimal.