Nissanka’s century powers Sri Lanka to victory over England at The Oval

Pathum Nissanka’s magnificent unbeaten century propelled Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket victory over England in the third Test at The Oval on Monday. Chasing 219 for victory, Sri Lanka cruised to the target before lunch on the fourth day, with Nissanka finishing 127 not out, alongside Angelo Mathews on 32 not out, in an unbroken partnership of 111.

Sri Lanka’s win marked their first Test victory in England since 2014 and only their fourth ever. However, England claimed the three-match series 2-1, with earlier wins at Old Trafford and Lord’s.

Resuming on 94-1, Nissanka, who had already made 53 overnight, and Kusal Mendis continued the chase. Mendis fell early for 39, caught by Shoaib Bashir off Gus Atkinson, but Nissanka and Mathews steadied the innings.

Nissanka, who had been out of the Test team for two years, completed his century with a three off Atkinson, reaching the milestone in just 107 balls. He then dominated the bowlers, hitting two sixes off Olly Stone before sealing the win with a four off Bashir.

England, despite Ollie Pope’s first-innings 154, collapsed twice, with Lahiru Kumara taking 4-21 and Vishwa Fernando 3-40 in their second innings.

(Source: AFP)