Sri Lanka downs England at the Oval to clinch first Test win in England in a decade

An outstanding unbeaten century by opener Pathum Nissanka secured a memorable victory for Sri Lanka at The Oval. After enduring consecutive defeats against England in the last two Tests, Sri Lanka came to the Oval without any grip on the series. However, a win in the last Test would’ve meant morally great for the side. Moreover, a win would’ve also meant an improvement in Sri Lanka’s position in the WTC Standings. Interestingly, Sri Lanka is sitting in a better spot than England in the WTC standings. As Sri Lanka took the field for the third Test, the team made to turn every positive possibility into their favour.

Pathum Nissanka denies a whitewash for Sri Lanka against England at the Oval

With notable roles of Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara on the third day, opener Pathum Nissanka led Sri Lanka to its first Test win in England in over 10 years, their fourth overall.Sri Lanka on Monday chased down a modest target of 219 against England with eight wickets remaining. However, the modest chase is now the highest successful chase completed by any Asian team at the English home. Sri Lanka entered the fourth day with strong momentum after their bowlers had dismissed England for just 156 in their second innings.

Nissanka and Kusal Mendis set the stage with an aggressive start on the third evening. On the fourth morning, Mendis drove the ball through mid-off for a boundary in the first over. Although Chris Woakes found Nissanka's edge, the ball fell short of the slip fielder, hinting at a possible shift from the aggressive approach that had served Sri Lanka well. However, when Gus Atkinson delivered a short ball, Mendis seized the opportunity, but Shoaib Bashir at long leg made a spectacular diving catch.

Nissanka then struck a boundary off Woakes, prompting England to make changes in their attack in hopes of a breakthrough. Nissanka and Mathews continued to rotate the strike, including some risky singles, with Nissanka cutting Josh Hull for another boundary. After an hour of play, Bashir was introduced in a desperate attempt to break the partnership, but Nissanka and Mathews quickly neutralized him with boundaries.

Once Sri Lanka had weathered the initial pressure, runs began to flow freely. Nissanka reached a well-earned century and was in form to finish the match decisively, hitting Olly Stone for two sixes in successive overs. Nissanka, who had also scored a rapid fifty in the first innings, fittingly struck the winning runs, earning the player of the match accolade for his exceptional performance. While this win by Sri Lanka will be termed a 'consolation' win with respect to this series, it would propel Sri Lanka in the WTC Standing, a benefit England stands devoid of despite their earlier victories.