Zimbabwe were bowled out for 170 in their second innings leaving Sri Lanka just 14 runs to win in Harare.
Fernando's last international appearance came in 2018 against Zimbabwe in an ODI and ever since he has been playing age-group cricket
Ten players from Sri Lanka's preliminary squad have opted to sit out of the tour of Pakistan due to security concerns.
An unfinished 66-run stand for the eighth wicket between Niroshan Dickwella and Suranga Lakmal stopped the rot. Sri Lanka trail New Zealand by 22 runs.
Sri Lanka, who are placed seventh on the points table with six points from seven matches, need to win their final two games.
Aggressive half-centuries from captain Faf du Plessis and opener Hashim Amla before late fireworks from Chris Morris powered South Africa to 338/7.
Lakmal, who last played a T20I in March 2018, while his last ODI appearance came in September in the same year.
The task however, will not be easy. The Lankans have struggled with their performances in recent times.
Lakmal said a key for Sri Lanka's bowlers was that they bowled consistently in the right areas.
It was an extraordinary day’s play during which 18 wickets fell and 282 runs were scored, leaving both teams with a chance of victory.