Sri Lanka with Dominant Eight-Wicket Victory

Sri Lanka claimed a remarkable eight-wicket win over England at The Oval, chasing down 219 to secure their first Test victory on English soil since 2014. Led by Pathum Nissanka’s brilliant unbeaten 127, Sri Lanka wrapped up the game within 25.3 overs on the fourth day, cutting England’s series lead to 2-1.

On a chilly Monday morning, 9,860 fans swapped summer gear for warmer clothes to watch Sri Lanka achieve a long-overdue win. Though they were already 2-0 down in the series, the visitors finally found their rhythm, thanks to Nissanka’s calm century, which solidified his place in the team after being sidelined for two years.

Resuming on 94 for 1, Sri Lanka needed 125 more runs to win, and Nissanka’s superb innings, which built on his first-innings score of 64, guided them to victory inside four days. England, whose second-innings collapse for 156 had left them vulnerable, struggled to take wickets on the final morning, managing just one when Gus Atkinson’s catch removed Kusal Mendis for 39.

Nissanka, supported by Angelo Mathews, moved confidently to his second Test century. He reached 95 by driving a Chris Woakes delivery behind point, then brought up his hundred by cutting Atkinson for three runs to deep point. Nissanka celebrated with a heartfelt hug from Mathews and a wide grin, marking just his second Test century from 10 matches. After reaching the milestone, Nissanka punished Olly Stone, smashing a short ball for six over deep backward square, before driving the winning runs through deep point.

Despite the emphatic finish, the match was a see-saw battle. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando, dismantled England for 156 in their second innings after the hosts had collapsed from 261 for 3 to 325 all out in the first innings. Jamie Smith’s 67 had been the only bright spot for England, but their struggles continued as Sri Lanka took control on the third day.

For Sri Lanka, this victory will be remembered long after the English summer concludes, marking a triumphant moment in an otherwise tough series. Meanwhile, England’s white-ball team faces a quick turnaround with a series against Australia beginning on Wednesday.