Dimuth Karunaratne closed in on a second century in as many Tests as Sri Lanka's lead passed 400 on the fourth morning of the second Test at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

Although Zimbabwe's bowlers were able to restrict the Sri Lankan scoring in a slow session, Karunaratne's unbeaten 86 took his side to lunch on 177 for five, giving them an overall lead of 409.

Sri Lanka began the penultimate day of the series, which they lead 1-0, on 102-4 and found the going tough early on.

Fast bowler Chris Mpofu started his day with six straight maidens, and the tourists scored just 33 runs in 15 overs before the drinks break.

Donald Tiripano then broke a 69-run stand for the fifth wicket when he trapped Asela Gunaratne lbw for 39, but Karunaratne was immovable and was joined by wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera, who went to lunch on 10 not out.

Source: AFP