Sri Lanka finds itself on the verge of sealing a victory in the third and final Test against England at The Oval, as they embark on a challenging chase in the fourth innings. After a shaky start, the Sri Lankan bowlers executed an outstanding turnaround, shattering the English batting order for a mere 156 runs in their second innings, thus setting a target of 219 runs. The Sri Lankan attack, led by Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, delivered impressive performances, securing 3 and 4 wickets respectively.
Sri Lanka's batting has been steady, spearheaded by Pathum Nissanka. With only one wicket lost, they're currently at 94 for 1, requiring just 125 more runs for victory. Nissanka has been particularly aggressive, remaining unbeaten on 53 from just 42 deliveries. Despite a brief setback when captain Dimuth Karunaratne fell cheaply, Sri Lanka is firmly in control, with Kusal Mendis providing essential support.
England's fortunes have fluctuated significantly, struggling to build a solid innings aside from notable contributions from Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith. Following a disappointing first innings total of 325, their batting crumbled in the second innings after losing early wickets. Sri Lanka, initially pressured, took full advantage of favourable conditions at crucial moments, particularly benefiting from the seam-friendly weather at The Oval.
As the sun reluctantly shone on the third day, the home side’s batting faltered under the relentless pressure of the Sri Lankan bowlers, allowing the visitors to seize the momentum heading into the final day. With just over a hundred runs needed and several wickets in hand, Sri Lanka holds a commanding position, eyeing a thrilling series victory against England in the midst of varying conditions. The final day is set to be exhilarating, as fans and analysts eagerly await the climax of this captivating Test match.