In a thrilling finale to the three-match Test series, Sri Lanka pulled off a stunning victory over England at The Oval. This triumph not only gave them a morale-boosting win but also propelled them above England in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
While England won the series 2-1, Sri Lanka’s final Test win gave their WTC campaign a much-needed boost. They now hold a points percentage of 42.857 percent, slightly higher than England’s 42.187 percent, edging them above their rivals on the table.
The match unfolded in dramatic fashion, filled with several twists and turns. England appeared to have the upper hand after securing a first-innings lead, but Sri Lanka’s pace attack turned the game on its head during the third day.
The visitors bowled with precision, reducing England to a precarious 82/7. Although England’s Jamie Smith fought back with a counter-attacking half-century, they were eventually bowled out for just 156, setting Sri Lanka a target of 219.
In the fourth innings, Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka anchored the chase with an outstanding unbeaten 127*, guiding his team to a memorable victory.
His composure and shot selection were crucial in maintaining the momentum, especially after the dismissal of his key partner, Kusal Mendis.
Nissanka’s century marked one of the most significant innings of his career and solidified his place as one of Sri Lanka’s premier Test batsmen.
This victory was historic for Sri Lanka, marking their first Test win on English soil in a decade and only their fourth Test win in England overall. The victory has energized the team as they prepare for a tough schedule ahead, which includes series against heavyweights like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.
For England, the loss is a setback, especially as they look to improve their WTC standings. They now face difficult assignments with tours to Pakistan and New Zealand, where they will aim to bounce back and strengthen their campaign for a spot in the WTC final.
Sri Lanka’s remarkable win has reshaped the WTC race, making their upcoming fixtures all the more significant in the quest for a top-two finish.
