Pathum Nissanka's impressive unbeaten half-century has put Sri Lanka in a commanding position as they chase a challenging target against England in the third Test at The Oval. Starting the final day at 94-1, Sri Lanka needs just 125 more runs to break a streak of seven consecutive Test defeats to England and claim a historic victory.
Nissanka, who scored 64 in the first innings, continued his fine form with a string of aggressive shots, including a stunning cover drive off debutant Josh Hull, bringing up his second fifty of the match. His partner, Kusal Mendis, has also been crucial, adding 30* and punishing England’s inconsistent bowling.
England's batting struggles were exemplified by Jamie Smith's counter-attacking 67, which helped his side recover from 82-7 to 156 all out. Smith's 50-ball knock, featuring ten fours and a six, gave England a fighting chance, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Vishwa Fernando (3-40) and Lahiru Kumara (4-21), exposed the home side’s weaknesses, collapsing them from 221-3 to 325 all out in their first innings.
Criticism has been aimed at England’s batting lineup, with several key players failing to deliver. As Sri Lanka inches closer to a landmark win, the spotlight remains on Nissanka and Mendis to guide them to a morale-boosting triumph, while England’s bowlers will aim to defend their slim lead and clinch the series.