Dimuth Karunaratne scored his fourth Test century as Sri Lanka built a formidable lead over Zimbabwe before rain thwarted their victory push on day four of the first Test at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.

Karunaratne confirmed his return to form with 110 in Sri Lanka's second innings, which had reached 247 for six when the rain arrived four overs into the final session.

Although the rain halted after an hour, the light failed to improve and so Sri Lanka will take a lead of 411 into the final day.

Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer's unexpected Test century had headlined the third day's play, which saw Zimbabwe bowled out for 373 in response to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 537.

SCORES IN BRIEF

SRI LANKA: First innings 537

ZIMBABWE: First innings 373

SRI LANKA: Second innings 247 for 6 (Karunaratne 110, Perera 17, Mendis 19, De Silva 64; Mumba 4-50)