Sports
On This Day: Sri Lanka Stun England with Bazball-Style Chase at The Oval
On 9 September 2024, Sri Lanka produced a stunning performance to defeat England in a Test match, turning the tables on the hosts who had built their reputation on aggressive 'Bazball' cricket under coach Brendon McCullum. The tourists chased down a target of 219 in just 40.3 overs, powered by an unbeaten 127 from opener Pathum Nissanka.
England had looked in command for much of the match. Ollie Pope's innings of 154 helped the hosts reach 325 in their first innings. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 263 in reply, giving England a 62-run lead.
However, the momentum shifted sharply in the second innings. Lahiru Kumara took 4 wickets for 21 runs, while Vishwa Fernando claimed 3 for 40, as England were dismissed for just 156 in 34 overs. This left Sri Lanka needing 219 runs for victory.
Nissanka rose to the occasion with an innings reminiscent of England's own aggressive style. He reached his second Test century off just 107 balls and ultimately finished not out on 127 from 124 deliveries, hitting 13 fours and two sixes.
Angelo Mathews supported him with an unbeaten 32, and the pair added an unbroken 111 runs together to seal an eight-wicket win for Sri Lanka. The victory marked Sri Lanka's first Test win in England since 2014 and only their fourth ever on English soil.
Despite the loss, England went on to win the three-match series 2-1. However, the defeat cost them the chance to complete an unbeaten home Test summer.