Hamilton Masakadza struck a century as Zimbabwe gave themselves a big boost ahead of the Cricket World Cup with an upset seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a warm-up match.

Set 280 for victory at Bert Sutcliffe Oval at Lincoln on Wednesday, Zimbabwe chased down the target with more than four overs to spare.

Masakadza scored at a run a ball in compiling an unbeaten 117, which including eight fours and three sixes.

The 31-year-old right-hander shared in century partnerships with Brendan Taylor, who scored 63, and Sean Williams, who was 51 not out as Zimbabwe ended on 3-281.

For Sri Lanka, who play in the tournament opener against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday, it was a second defeat in warm-up fixtures.

Dimuth Karunaratne and Jeevan Mendis each scored half centuries as Sri Lanka got to 8-279 in their 50 overs.

Both sides used nine bowlers, with Williams ending with match-best figures of 3-35 with his slow left-armers.

Zimbabwe open their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Hamilton on Sunday.