Zimbabwe marked Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium’s 100th ODI with a stunning 12-run victory over Sri Lanka, surviving a Thisara Perera scare yesterday. After a demoralising eight-wicket defeat to hosts Bangladesh in tournament opener, the victory now kept them in the race of the tri-nation series final.

Tendai Chatara claimed his career best four for 33, including the prized scalp of Thisara Perera, to script the victory after Sikandar Raza steered Zimbabwe to a challenging 290 for six with a whirlwind 67 ball-81 not out.

However Perera was about to thwart the party. Sri Lanka was in precarious situation with 181 for five in 34th over but he brought the victory in eye-sight, smashing the ball all corner of the park.

He was dismissed as the ninth batsman after striking a 37 ball-64 with his side was 16 runs away from the victory. After his dismissal, Sri Lanka added just three runs to be bowled out for 278 in 48.1 overs.

Kusal Perera gave Sri Lanka a decent start even though Tendai Chatara inspired Zimbabwe making inroads at regular intervals. Sikandar Raza then gave the side a relief, removing Kusal Perera who hit eight fours and two sixes in his 80 off 83.

Pacers Blessing Muzurabani and Kyle Jarvis then removed two seasoned batsmen—captain Angelo Mathews (42) and Dinesh Chandimal (34) respectively in four overs as Zimbabwe sensed a victory. But Thisara Perera counterattacked in aggressive manner to keep Zimbabwe at bay before Chatara dismissed him. He sent the ball across the rope five times and hit three more sixes in the knock.

Earlier, Sikandar Raza’s 10th half-century was studded with eight fours and one six, most of which came in the last powerplay to steer the side reach closer to 300. His free-hitting prowess helped the side gather 53 runs for the loss of just one wicket in the last five overs.

Opener Hamilton Masakadza scored 73 off 83, hitting 10 fours.

He and Solomon Mire (34) combined for a 75-run opening partnership in 13 overs to lay the platform after Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews’s decision to bowl first.

 Masakadza kept scoreboard moving, dealing with the Sri Lankan bowlers effortlessly until medium fast bowler Thisara Perera resisted.

Pacers Lakamal and Asela Gunaratne also joined the party, stalling the Zimbabwe’s progress as the run rate came down below six.

Gunaratne helped Sri Lanka hit back, dismissing Masakadza in 28th over. However Raza stood firm.

With the help of Brendan Taylor (38) and Malcolm Waller (34), Raza steadied the ship again and helped the side post challenging total.