Sri Lanka Upsets England in Final Test, Climbs ICC World Test Championship Rankings
The Oval – In a thrilling finale to the three-match series, Sri Lanka defeated England in the third and final Test at The Oval, securing a significant boost in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Despite England’s series win, Sri Lanka’s victory elevated them above England in the standings. Sri Lanka now holds a points percentage of 42.857% from seven Tests, surpassing England’s 42.187% from eight wins in 16 Test matches.
England had set a solid foundation, taking a first-innings lead after their bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to 263 in response to the hosts’ 325. However, Sri Lanka’s pace attack dominated on day three, reducing England to 69/5 and then 82/7. Despite a resilient half-century from Jamie Smith (67 off 50 balls), England was bowled out for 156, setting a target of 219.
Sri Lanka’s chase was led by Pathum Nissanka, who played a stunning innings, scoring 127* and anchoring the team’s successful run chase. His innings, which included a brilliant 51-ball 64 in the first innings, is the highest fourth-innings score by a Sri Lankan in England since Kusal Perera’s memorable 153* in South Africa in 2019.
Nissanka’s efforts, supported by Angelo Mathews, ensured Sri Lanka’s victory and their first Test win in England in a decade. The last win for Sri Lanka in England came at Leeds in June 2014.
Sri Lanka’s remaining World Test Championship fixtures include challenging series against New Zealand and Australia at home and a tour to South Africa. England will next face Pakistan in a three-match series before concluding the cycle with an assignment in New Zealand.
