Pathum Nissanka celebrates his brilliant century against England, guiding Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket victory in the third Test at The Kia Oval. © Twitter (@ICC)
Sri Lanka Defeats England by Eight Wickets in Third Test, Ending Series 2-1
Sri Lanka achieved a memorable victory against England in the third Test at The Kia Oval, thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s brilliant century. Although England secured the series 2-1, Sri Lanka’s eight-wicket triumph in London ended a 10-match winless streak against the hosts, earning the visitors their first Test win in England since 2014.
This match exposed the frailties in England’s approach under head coach Brendon McCullum and cost them a chance at a perfect home summer—a feat they have not achieved in two decades. Nissanka’s composed 127* led Sri Lanka to chase down 219 with ease, a target England could not defend after a disappointing second-inning batting collapse.
England’s Careless Play Costs Them a Sweep
England entered the fourth day with Sri Lanka at 94-1, needing 125 more runs to reach the target. The home side, dominant throughout the summer, showed uncharacteristic vulnerability, compounded by the absence of key players like Ben Stokes, Zak Crawley, and Mark Wood.
Despite promising spells from England’s bowlers, Sri Lanka’s determination, led by Nissanka, proved too much. A stunning diving catch from Shoaib Bashir removed Kusal Mendis for 39 off Gus Atkinson, providing a momentary glimmer of hope for England. However, Nissanka, alongside veteran Angelo Mathews, steadily dismantled any further threat. Their unbroken 111-run partnership took Sri Lanka over the finish line, with Mathews contributing 32* in a patient and well-timed knock.
Nissanka’s century, his second in Test cricket, blended elegance and aggression. He reached the landmark in 107 balls with a sublime back-foot punch off Atkinson, marking a pivotal moment in the game. His innings included controlled drives, sharp running between the wickets, and powerful pulls when England’s bowlers erred in length.
England Collapse Leaves Fans Frustrated
England’s inability to convert winning positions into dominant victories has been a theme of their season. They lost their way after a strong start in the first innings, where Ollie Pope’s commanding 154 and Ben Duckett’s 86 helped England post 325. Pope’s innings, his seventh Test century, was a bright spot, but the middle and lower order needed to capitalize on his efforts.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by the fiery Lahiru Kumara (4-21), kept England on the back foot throughout their second innings. Kumara, alongside fellow pacers, exploited uneven bounce and lateral movement as the hosts crumbled to 156 all out in just 34 overs. Jamie Smith’s 67 was the only resistance in an otherwise disappointing performance, highlighting England’s ongoing struggles with consistency.
The collapse from 261-3 in the first innings to 325 all out set the tone for the match. Then, in the second innings, poor shot selection and a lack of patience saw England fritter away the game in a manner that felt avoidable. Captain Ben Stokes’ absence due to injury was a noticeable gap in leadership and strategy.
Sri Lanka’s Tactical Masterclass
This victory was not just about individual brilliance for Sri Lanka but a collective effort and smart tactics. Dhananjaya de Silva’s 69 in the first innings set a solid foundation, while their bowlers ensured England could not build on their promising start.
On the fourth day, under overcast skies, England’s bowling attack was blunted by a well-set Nissanka, whose calmness under pressure became the game’s highlight. Angelo Mathews’ experience complemented the opener perfectly, with his steady hand ensuring no further hiccups in the chase.
Sri Lanka’s ability to neutralize England’s key bowlers—Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, and Olly Stone—was pivotal. Woakes, the most experienced of England’s attack, bowled with heart but couldn’t break through. Debutant Josh Hull and off-spinner Shoaib Bashir could not find the consistency needed to mount sustained pressure on Nissanka and Mathews.
