In a dramatic conclusion to the third Test at The Kia Oval, Sri Lanka claimed a memorable eight-wicket victory, led by Pathum Nissanka's outstanding century. Despite losing the series 2-1, this win ends a 10-match winless run against England and provides a bright spot on what was expected to be a challenging tour.
England, looking to secure a flawless home summer for the first time in two decades, faltered with a lacklustre performance that ultimately cost them the match. Their second-innings total of just 156, after having posted 325 in the first innings, left them vulnerable going into day four.
Resuming on 94-1, Sri Lanka needed 125 more runs to reach the target of 219. Kusal Mendis was dismissed for 39 after being brilliantly caught by Shoaib Bashir off a bouncer from Gus Atkinson. With 111 runs still required, hopes for an English comeback were dashed by Nissanka's calm presence at the crease, ably supported by Angelo Mathews.
Nissanka, who had already surpassed the century mark, was given a lifeline when Bashir missed a half-chance to catch him at third man. By that point, the game was firmly in Sri Lanka’s grasp. Nissanka remained unbeaten on 127, while Mathews contributed 32, their unbroken 111-run stand securing only Sri Lanka's fourth Test victory on English soil.
For England, this defeat marked their worst under coach Brendon McCullum. Though they clinched series wins against both the West Indies and Sri Lanka, the loss left a lingering sense of missed opportunity. Their next challenge comes in less than a month when they head to Pakistan for a Test series, though doubts surround the schedule due to ongoing venue renovations.
Meanwhile, England’s relentless international schedule continues as a largely different squad will take on Australia in a T20 series, beginning in Southampton on Wednesday.