Sri Lanka Breaks a Decade-Long Drought
Sri Lanka finally tasted victory on English soil after 10 long years, defeating England in the third Test of the series by seven wickets. This marked a significant achievement for the Lankan side, as it ended their streak of seven consecutive losses against England. The last time Sri Lanka had won a Test match in England was back in 2014, and this latest victory revived their confidence and pride.
A Dominant Performance at The Oval
The match at The Oval was crucial for Sri Lanka. England had already won the series 2-1, but the Sri Lankan team was determined to make a statement. The game started with England setting a target of 219 runs, but Sri Lanka chased it down in under four hours, displaying aggressive intent and calculated risk.
Pathum Nissanka’s Unbeaten Century
The hero of Sri Lanka’s victory was none other than Pathum Nissanka, whose magnificent unbeaten century anchored the chase. His innings of 127 not out showcased his composure, skill, and maturity. He was well-supported by Angelo Mathews, who played an equally important role in the partnership that took Sri Lanka to victory. Nissanka’s century came off 107 balls, and he finished his innings with 13 boundaries and two sixes.
Nissanka celebrated his milestone in style, raising his bat and looking towards the sky—a gesture that marked his second century in Test cricket. His first century came against the West Indies in 2021, and this performance has cemented his place as one of Sri Lanka’s leading batsmen.
England’s Struggle in the Final Test
England, on the other hand, struggled to keep control in the final Test. After a solid win in the first two games of the series, they faltered at crucial moments during the third match. Their batting lineup failed to deliver in the second innings, with most batsmen failing to make a significant contribution, save for Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett. England’s total of 325 runs in the first innings was followed by a second-innings collapse, setting the stage for Sri Lanka’s historic chase.
Match Overview
In the first innings, England managed to score 325 runs, thanks to efforts from their middle order. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with disciplined bowling that restricted England from posting an even bigger total.
In response, Sri Lanka’s first innings was marked by gritty performances, especially from Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, and Nissanka. All three players crossed the 50-run mark, but no one went on to score big, and Sri Lanka was bowled out for 263, trailing by 62 runs.
Sri Lanka’s Aggressive Chase
The chase was Sri Lanka’s final opportunity to leave a mark on the series, and they did not disappoint. Starting the final day at 94 for one, Sri Lanka needed just 125 more runs to win. Pathum Nissanka’s composed yet aggressive innings was the backbone of their chase, while Angelo Mathews provided crucial support to ensure there were no further hiccups.
England’s Collapse in the Second Innings
The real turning point of the match was England’s poor performance in their second innings. After a steady start, they were bowled out for just 156 runs, with the Sri Lankan bowlers taking advantage of the pressure. No English batsman, apart from Pope and Duckett, could cross the 20-run mark, and this cost them dearly.
Hero of the Match – Pathum Nissanka
Nissanka was undoubtedly the star of the match, with his brilliant century leading Sri Lanka to an unforgettable win. His shot selection, calm under pressure, and ability to rotate the strike were crucial to Sri Lanka’s successful chase. This win not only ended Sri Lanka’s losing streak against England but also gave them a much-needed morale boost ahead of future series.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s victory at The Oval was more than just a win. It marked the end of a decade-long drought and gave the team newfound confidence. With Pathum Nissanka emerging as a reliable match-winner, the future looks promising for Sri Lanka in Test cricket. For England, this loss will be a wake-up call ahead of their upcoming series, where consistency will be key.
FAQs
What is Sri Lanka’s recent Test record against England?
Sri Lanka had lost seven consecutive Test matches to England before their victory in this match.
How many times has Sri Lanka won a Test series in England?
Sri Lanka has won a Test series in England only once, in 2014.
Who were the standout performers in this Test match?
Pathum Nissanka and Angelo Mathews for Sri Lanka, Ollie Pope, and Ben Duckett for England were the key performers.
What were the key moments of the match?
The second-innings collapse by England and Pathum Nissanka’s century were the pivotal moments.
What does this victory mean for Sri Lanka’s future in Test cricket?
This win gives Sri Lanka renewed confidence and sets the stage for their future success in Test cricket.
