Dhananjaya de Silva scored his second Test century to put Sri Lanka in control of the second and final Test against Zimbabwe after the first day at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

De Silva came to the wicket with Sri Lanka struggling on 112 for four, but showed greater application than Sri Lanka's top order as he put on 143 for the fifth wicket with Upul Tharanga before finishing unbeaten on 100.

The tourists closed the day on 290 for five, and were equally grateful for Tharanga's 79.

Sri Lanka, who won the first Test by 225 runs, lost four wickets inside 28 overs after they lost the toss and were inserted by Zimbabwe, before the partnership between De Silva and Tharanga pulled them back into the match.

SCORES IN BRIEF

SRI LANKA: First innings 187 for 4 (Karunaratne 26, K Silva 37, Mendis 26, Tharanga 79, De Silva 100 not out; Masakadza 2-18)

ZIMBABWE: Tino Mawoyo, Brian Chari, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Malcolm Waller, Peter Moor (wk), Graeme Cremer (capt), Donald Tiripano, Carl Mumba, Chris Mpofu.