Sri Lanka has accomplished a uncommon Check victory in England because it reached its goal of 219 with untroubled ease on the fourth day at The Oval, with Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 127 main it to a comfort win in a 2-1 collection defeat.
After a powerful finish to the ultimate session on day three, Sri Lanka resumed at 1-94 needing an extra 125 to win, and knocked them off in a bit over two hours to win by eight wickets.
It was Sri Lanka’s fourth victory in 21 Checks in England over 40 years and its first since a 1-0 victory in a two-Check collection 10 years in the past.
“It is extremely particular, profitable in England,” Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva mentioned.
“The boys have been robust sufficient to deal with the strain and get into some situations.
“It’s not snug. There was exhausting work put in by the bowlers and batters. We have been there in each match — had optimistic factors. The boys wished to win ultimately.
“Credit score to the entire bowlers. They’ve been on the right track from ball one. Within the second innings they have been spot on. He (Nissanka) has proved he’s one of the best opener in Sri Lanka proper now.”
Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten century to steer Sri Lanka house within the fourth innings. (Getty Photos: Gareth Copley)
The day three assault had set Sri Lanka as much as be favorite however the few England followers scattered round The Oval knew that a couple of early wickets may make issues attention-grabbing.
Kusal Mendis had added 9 to his in a single day 30 earlier than an excellent operating catch by Shoaib Bashir gave Gus Atkinson one other wicket, however it proved the one vibrant word for England on an overcast south London day.
Opener Nissanka, who had hammered a fast 53 not out on day three to arrange the chase, was initially extra managed in his strategy, however stored the scoreboard ticking and reached his second take a look at century off 107 balls.
He then minimize unfastened with some huge hits and, with the skilled Angelo Mathews additionally wanting untroubled for 32 not out, it become an absolute cruise that didn’t even want the complete first session.
England had been hoping for a 6-0 summer time clear sweep after crushing West Indies 3-0 and claiming two extra convincing victories over Sri Lanka.
The hosts seemed well-placed for a 3rd after reaching 3-261 of their first innings however a collapse for a complete of 325 stored the vacationers within the recreation.
Sri Lanka nonetheless seemed up in opposition to it after managing solely 263 in reply however fought again fantastically to bowl England out for 156 in 34 overs after which setting about their chase with gusto.
England now turns its consideration to white ball cricket in opposition to Australia, beginning with a T20 on Thursday (AEST).
Reuters
