• Sri Lanka registered a commanding 8-wicket victory over England in the third and final Test at The Oval.

  • Pathum Nissanka delivered an exceptional performance and was named Player of the Match.

Fans react as Pathum Nissanka’s century powers Sri Lanka historic win over England in the 3rd Test
Pathum Nissanka (Image Source: X)

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In a match where pride was on the line, Pathum Nissanka delivered an exceptional performance, leading Sri Lanka to a commanding 8-wicket victory in the third and final Test at The Oval on Day 4. Although England had already secured the series by winning the first two Tests at Manchester and Lord’s, Nissanka’s unbeaten century in the final innings was a testament to his skill and determination. His 127* off 124 balls, laced with 13 boundaries and 2 sixes, showcased his ability to anchor the chase while keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Ollie Pope leads the charge for England

In England’s first innings, Ollie Pope played a captain’s knock, scoring an impressive 154 runs off 156 balls, anchoring the innings. Ben Duckett supported him well with a brisk 86, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to build substantial partnerships. Despite Pope’s heroic effort, England was bowled out for 325 in 69.1 overs. Sri Lanka’s Milan Rathnayake was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 56 runs.

Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis shine

Sri Lanka responded with a solid effort, posting 263 runs in their first innings. Nissanka started strongly with a quickfire 64, but the middle order collapsed, leaving Sri Lanka in trouble at 93/5. However, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis steadied the ship with scores of 69 and 64, respectively. England’s Josh Hull and Olly Stone were effective with the ball, taking 3 wickets each, but Sri Lanka managed to close the gap to 62 runs.

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Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominate

England struggled in their second innings, managing only 156 runs. Jamie Smith was the lone warrior, scoring a brisk 67 off 50 balls, while the rest of the batting lineup crumbled against Sri Lanka’s pace attack. Lahiru Kumara was the standout performer, taking 4 wickets for 21 runs. Vishwa Fernando also chipped in with 3 wickets, and England set a target of 219 for Sri Lanka.

Pathum Nissanka’s remarkable century secure victory

Chasing 219 for victory, Sri Lanka’s Nissanka played a magnificent innings, scoring an unbeaten 127 off 124 balls. Despite losing Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis, Nissanka, along with Angelo Mathews (32*), guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable 8-wicket victory. Nissanka’s knock ensured that Sri Lanka finished the series on a high note, even though England had already secured the series by winning the first two Tests.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.