Zimbabwe gave themselves a chance of squaring their two-test series with Sri Lanka as 52 by Grant Flower and 61 not out by Andy Flower helped their side battle to an overall lead of 267 on Friday in Colombo. The touring team were beaten by eight wickets in the first test in Kandy

Zimbabwe, 26 ahead on first innings' scores, increased their overnight 24 for one to 241 for six at the close on the third day on a slow-turning pitch.

Grant Flower took advantage of an escape in the second over of the morning when he was dropped at 17 by Sanath Jayasuriya off the occasional off-spin of Aravinda de Silva.

He went on to complete his timely half-century shortly after lunch before being bowled by Jayasuriya's left-arm spin.

The third umpire had to confirm the decision from a television replay after the fallen bail was found on the ground, the ball having brushed it aside on its way to the wicketkeeper.

De Silva had taken the first wicket of the day when he had nightwatchman Andy Whittall caught at short extra cover by Hashsan Tillekeratne at 34.

Grant Flower and Murray Goodwin added 70 for the third wicket before Jayasuriya struck in the penultimate over before lunch by bowling Goodwin round his legs for 39.

Zimbabwe lost the wicket of Guy Whittal for 17 caught by substitute close-in fielder Mahela Jayawardena off Muttiah Muralitheran.

But any chance the Sri Lankans thought they had was thwarted when skipper Alistair Campbell (37) joined Andrew Flower to take the total from 129 for 5 to 204 before parting company in the final session of play.

Their alliance was terminated when recalled spinner Don Anurasiri had Campbell playing a reverse sweep only to edge the ball for wicket-keeper Romesh Kaluwitharana to take a simple catch.

But Flower batted the best for his side defying the bowlers for 228 minutes on a somewhat turning wicket to make his second half century in the series, an unbeaten 61.

The left hander's delightful shots included a towering six against Anurasiri that crashed into the stand over mid-wicket. His knock was also spiced with five fours.

Flower and his not out partner Craig Wishart (14) stretched Zimbabwe's lead further with an unbroken stand of 37 runs in 72 minutes of batting.

Sri Lanka, who on Thursday lost main strike bowler Chaminda Vaas to illness, were without captain Arjuna Ranatunga on Friday. He did not take the field due to a strained back.
 

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