Paceman Thisara Perera returned figures of 4-33 as Sri Lanka bowled Zimbabwe out for 198 in the fourth match of the tri-nation one-day tournament on Sunday.
Fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep played a strong support role, claiming a career best 3-28.
Brendan Taylor who returned to the Zimbabwe national team following his three-year stint with Nottinghamshire, was the highest scorer with 58.
He held together the innings after Perera had Zimbabwe wobbling at 3-56.
Left arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan then dismissed the in-form Sikandar Raza, leaving Zimbabwe on 4-73 but Taylor was unfazed by the spirited Sri Lanka side, which needs to win the game to have any chance of joining Bangladesh in the final.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Taylor and Malcolm Waller combined for a 63-run stand for the fifth wicket to resurrect the innings before Sandakan again struck to get rid of Waller on 24.
Perera then returned for his second spell to take the prized scalp of Taylor after he had brought up his 33rd half-century, which included six fours.
Taylor's dismissal effectively ended Zimbabwe's hopes of setting a big total.
