Sri Lanka finds itself on the brink of victory in the third and final Test against England at The Oval, with an impressive fourth-innings chase currently underway. After a rocky start to the match, the Sri Lankan seamers made a remarkable comeback, dismantling the English batting lineup for just 156 runs in their second innings, leading to a total target of 219 runs. The Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, showcased their skills with impressive figures, taking 3 and 4 wickets respectively.
Sri Lanka's batting effort has been steady, with Pathum Nissanka leading the charge. After losing only one wicket, Sri Lanka sits at 94 for 1, needing just 125 runs more to secure a win. Nissanka, already with a half-century to his name, has played positively, scoring an unbeaten 53 off just 42 balls. Despite a brief scare where captain Dimuth Karunaratne was dismissed cheaply, Sri Lanka remained in control, with Kusal Mendis providing support at the other end.
The match has been characterised by fluctuating fortunes, particularly for England, who struggled with the bat outside standout performances from Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith. After a disappointing first-innings score of 325, their lineup collapsed in the second innings, unable to recover from early wickets. Sri Lanka, after being put on the back foot initially, capitalised on favourable conditions during crucial moments, notably taking advantage of seam-friendly conditions produced by the weather at The Oval.
As the sun shone reluctantly on the third day, the home team’s batting performance fell apart under pressure from Sri Lankan bowlers, allowing the visitors to seize momentum going into the final day. With just over a hundred runs required and multiple wickets still in hand, Sri Lanka is in a commanding position, eyeing a compelling series victory against England amidst fluctuating conditions. The final day promises to be thrilling as fans and analysts alike anticipate the culmination of this riveting Test match.