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:

Pathum Nissanka is easily one of the best batters to have come out of Sri Lanka in the recent past and he has delivered once again.

Quality 4 innings ton👏👏 pic.twitter.com/fL8hUlVZlp

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) September 9, 2024

SRI LANKA REGISTER MASSIVE WIN. 🇱🇰

After being 2-0 down, Sri Lanka have completely dominated England in the 3rd Test and they win by 8 wickets including a magnificent hundred by Pathum Nissanka. 💯

Sri Lanka chased down 219 in just 40.3 overs. Bazaball….GONE THE OPPOSITE. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/b3qMWWPf7l

— Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75) September 9, 2024

Congratulations to @OfficialSLC on a brilliant victory at the Kia Oval 👏

A fine century from Pathum Nissanka takes them home 💯

🤎 | #KiaOval pic.twitter.com/RqO5ZdAER8

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) September 9, 2024

DDS was absolutely spot on when he said that Nissanka is Sri Lanka’s best batsman currently in all 3 formats.Guy was asked to bat up the order and went on to score one half century and a century in the very next innings of that very test match. HE IS A SUPERSTAR IN THE MAKING.

— Hansini De Zoysa (@HansiZoysa) September 9, 2024

What a win for Sri Lanka at the Oval 🙌

Scorecard: https://t.co/fYR56LeQid#cricket #ENGvSL #pathumnissanka #SriLankaCricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Wfo4R5xRXH

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 9, 2024

What a fantastic victory to end the series! Sri Lanka beat England by 8 wickets in the 3rd Test.

Congratulations to the team on a brilliant performance!

👏 #ENGvSL 🏏 pic.twitter.com/VZk1HUyWWb

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 9, 2024

2-1 it is! This will be a series Sri Lanka will look back and wonder if maybe they could have won, but the BIG positives are the young batters and the fast bowling. With four more Tests to go this year, hopefully they are backed to the hilt; the ability is clearly there! #ENGvSL

— Estelle Vasudevan (@Estelle_Vasude1) September 9, 2024

Brilliant knock Nissanka and a fantastic win, Sri Lanka. Well played.

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) September 9, 2024

Superb win for Sri Lanka!

So much noise about the 💯% record to maintain, doubt if England think they were 100% on all the time.

Nevertheless, clinical win for Sri Lanka. Well set up by the bowling, pacers for a change in that aspect! 👏

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) September 9, 2024

Hundred for Pathum Nissanka. He played bazball yesterday and a lot more watchful today. After the hundred he’s playing bazball again. Upul Tharanga deserves credit for bringing the likes of Kamindu Mendis and Pathum back to the fold in Test match cricket. pic.twitter.com/2PHbvETnJx

— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) September 9, 2024

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