In one of the most memorable moments in recent Test cricket history, Pathum Nissanka carved his name into the record books with a sublime fourth-innings century that helped Sri Lanka secure a thrilling eight-wicket victory against England at The Oval in 2024. This performance not only marked one of the rare occasions when a century was scored at a strike rate of over 100 in a successful run chase but also showcased Nissanka’s growing stature as a formidable Test player.
A Rare Feat in Test Cricket
Nissanka’s unbeaten 127 off 124 balls, laced with 13 boundaries and two towering sixes, was instrumental in chasing down England’s target of 219 with remarkable ease. His innings stands as one of only five fourth-innings centuries in Test cricket history to be scored with a strike rate of over 100. This accomplishment places him in the elite company of players such as Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Kane Williamson, and Jonny Bairstow, who previously achieved this feat.
What makes Nissanka’s century even more special is that it came in a challenging situation. Sri Lanka had conceded a first-innings lead of 62 runs, a scenario that would usually place immense pressure on a team batting in the final innings of the match. However, Nissanka’s calmness under pressure and aggressive stroke play enabled Sri Lanka to rewrite history in The Oval.
Sri Lanka’s Historic Chase
The chase of 219 was the highest successful Test run chase by an Asian team in England, surpassing Pakistan’s 180-run target against Australia in 2010. Sri Lanka’s fourth-innings run rate of 5.40 was among the fastest in successful run chases of over 200, underscoring their aggressive approach. In recent years, such high-scoring fourth-innings performances have been rare in England, adding even more significance to Nissanka’s contribution.
Sri Lanka’s run rate in this final innings was the fifth-highest for any team chasing over 200 runs. Their approach of taking the attack to the bowlers showed immense belief in their batting depth and ability to counter the bowling threats posed by England’s seamers. Nissanka led the way with his fluent strokeplay, making even experienced English bowlers look ordinary.
Nissanka’s Rise in Test Cricket
For Nissanka, this was only his second Test hundred, but the maturity and composure he displayed hinted at a bright future. This century also ranks as the third-highest fourth-innings score in a successful run chase for Sri Lanka, behind only Kusal Perera’s remarkable 153* against South Africa in Durban in 2019 and Aravinda de Silva’s 143* against Zimbabwe in 1998.
Moreover, Nissanka became the first non-Indian Asian player to score a fourth-innings century in England during a successful chase. His innings drew praise from cricket pundits for his ability to play both defensive and attacking strokes with precision. His performance also highlighted how crucial he is becoming to Sri Lanka’s Test lineup, taking on the role of an anchor when needed while still having the ability to accelerate the game, as demonstrated in this record-breaking chase.
A Team Effort Backed by Sri Lanka’s Bowling Attack
While Nissanka’s innings grabbed the headlines, it was Sri Lanka’s bowling performance that set the foundation for this victory. England were bowled out cheaply in their second innings, giving Sri Lanka a target that, while challenging, was within reach. The Sri Lankan seamers, led by a disciplined bowling attack, kept the pressure on the English batters throughout the match, ensuring they didn’t post a more formidable total.
In the final innings, Kusal Mendis also played a key role in supporting Nissanka with a fluent half-century. Together, they ensured there were no major setbacks in the chase, keeping the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace. Their partnership embodied Sri Lanka’s determined approach and was a testament to the team’s fighting spirit.
Conclusion: A Special Moment for Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka’s hundred in the final innings of this Test will go down as one of the finest in Sri Lankan cricket history. His ability to deliver under pressure, score freely, and chase down a target in conditions that typically favor bowlers, especially in England, shows that Sri Lanka are building a new core of players capable of handling the rigors of international cricket.
This win, Sri Lanka’s fourth Test victory in England, also broke a series of losses against the English side. It marked a significant moment for a team that has been rebuilding its reputation in international cricket. Nissanka’s innings, along with the team’s collective effort, will remain a high point in Sri Lanka’s recent cricketing history, symbolizing hope for future successes.