Sri Lanka inched closer to a consolation victory in the third Test against England at The Oval, chasing a target of 219 with a strong position of 142 for 2 by the afternoon session on Day 4.
At stumps on Day 3, Sri Lanka was 94 for 1, led by a composed 53* from Pathum Nissanka, who continued to anchor the innings on the final day, driving Sri Lanka towards victory after a commanding bowling display earlier.
Despite already losing the series after defeats at Manchester and Lord’s, Sri Lanka’s bowlers skittled England for 156 in their second innings, seizing momentum.
Kusal Mendis added 30 before falling, while Nissanka’s steady performance saw him move to 77 not out.
He has shared crucial partnerships, first with Mendis and later with Angelo Mathews, who is batting on 10.
England introduced spin with Shoaib Bashir, but it was Nissanka’s attacking shots that kept the scoreboard ticking.
His 9th boundary, a powerful cut off Josh Hull, highlighted his control at the crease.
England, hoping to complete another series sweep after their 3-0 win against the West Indies earlier this summer, now face a tough task. Sri Lanka needs just 77 more runs to secure the victory.
After an abject performance on the opening day when their bowlers failed to capitalise in prime conditions upon winning the toss, Sri Lanka had to watch Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett shine through the overhead gloom.
Then, two incisive passages of swing bowling – on a dark second day, then under bright skies on the third – had the tourists back in contention, but not before Jamie Smith had bludgeoned England out of dire trouble.
Still, by the time bad light stopped play just before quarter to seven on Sunday evening, Sri Lanka had lost the match.
But the detail around those key moments tells the story of where this Test stands heading into the final day.
Currently, Pathum Nissanka (53*) and Kusal Mendis (30*) are standing unbeaten at the crease. Sri Lanka needs 125 more runs to win.
England got bundled out for 156 earlier on Sunday after Lahiru Kumara registered a four-wicket haul. England keeper Jamie Smith hit another half-century, but his 50-ball 67 could only propel England to a 214-run lead.
