Pathum Nissanka's majestic century ensured that Sri Lanka were able to coast to an eight-wicket victory over England on the fourth day of the third Test.
Having ended Sunday's play on 94-1 and within 125 runs of the target of 219, the tourists were in a dominant position as they bid to end a series that they had already lost on a high.
Although Kusal Mendis would fall within 4.3 overs of the restart, England failed to capitalise on that moment as Nissanka produced a sensational innings of 127 at the Oval.
In posting a dominant win in the capital, Sri Lanka record their first Test triumph over England for a decade.
With the ground considerably less than half full, there was a sense that few England fans gave their side much hope of instigating what would have been a stunning turnaround on the back of their abysmal showing on Sunday.
A brilliant catch in the deep from Shoaib Bashir lifted spirits, the spin bowler diving to his left to dismiss Mendis (39) off the bowling of Gus Atkinson.
"He's a tall man!"
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 9, 2024
WHAT A CATCH FROM SHOAIB BASHIR! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/WggP6zUI5w
Nissanka cements top order spot
However, Nissanka and Angelo Mathews soon took the game away from their hosts, particularly Nissanka who was motivated to better his 64 from 51 in the first innings.
The 26-year-old was subsequently record his second century in Test cricket and his best score to date, an unbeaten knock of 127 runs from 124 deliveries.
Mathews batted at a far more pedestrian rate, yet his contribution of 32 from 61 was equally effective in ensuring that Sri Lanka's win was never in any doubt.
England now switch their attention to the one-day format with three T20 and five one-day internationals against Australia before they resume Test duties versus Pakistan next month.
Darren Plant
