- ENG vs SL 3rd Day: Sri Lanka’s score is 94 runs for 1 wicket till the end of the third day’s play. In this way, Sri Lanka needs 125 runs. Currently Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nisanka are at the crease.
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ENG vs SL 3rd Test:
WTC Final 2025The third Test between England and Sri Lanka is being played at Kennington Oval. By the end of the third day, Sri Lanka has tightened its grip. Sri Lanka has a target of 219 runs. Sri Lanka’s score is 94 runs for 1 wicket by the end of the third day. In this way, Sri Lanka needs 125 runs. At this time Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nisanka are at the crease. Kusal Mendis is playing after scoring 30 runs off 25 balls. While Pathum Nisanka has scored 53 runs off 44 balls.
Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nisanka stay at the crease
There has been a partnership of 55 runs in 48 balls between Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nisanka. Earlier, Dimuth Karunaratne returned to the pavilion after scoring 8 runs in 21 balls. Dimuth Karunaratne was dismissed by Chris Woakes. Let us tell you that England scored 325 runs in the first innings. In response to which Sri Lanka scored 263 runs. In this way, England got a lead of 62 runs. But after this, Sri Lanka presented a strong comeback. England’s second innings was limited to just 156 runs.
Will there be an impact on the World Test Championship points table?
In this way, Sri Lanka has a target of 219 runs. By the end of the third day’s play, Sri Lanka’s score is 94 runs for 1 wicket. Sri Lanka would like to save its honor by winning this test. Actually, England defeated Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in the first test. After this, Sri Lanka had to face a crushing defeat by 190 runs in the second test. In this way, England is ahead 2-0 in the series. But if Sri Lanka manages to win the third test, then the World Test Championship points table may be affected.
In a stunning turn of events, Sri Lanka has staged a remarkable comeback in the third Test against England, putting the hosts on the brink of a humiliating defeat. After being outplayed in the first two Tests of the series, the Sri Lankan team has shown grit, resilience, and immense skill in the ongoing third Test, completely turning the tables on the English side. With the match nearing its conclusion, England is staring down the barrel, while Sri Lanka’s bowlers have taken control of the contest.
Sri Lanka’s Fightback: A Tale of Determination
The third Test at Headingley, Leeds, was expected to be a mere formality for England, as they had dominated the previous two matches to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. However, Sri Lanka, known for their ability to punch above their weight, had other plans. Coming into the third Test with nothing to lose, the visitors played with freedom and intensity, determined to salvage pride.
Their fightback began with a solid batting performance. After losing early wickets in the first innings, Sri Lanka’s middle order showed tremendous character. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne led from the front with a gritty century, while Dhananjaya de Silva played a pivotal supporting role, scoring a crucial 85. Their partnership rescued Sri Lanka from a precarious position and helped them post a competitive total of 320.
In response, England’s top order crumbled against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack. The visitors’ fast bowlers, led by Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka, swung the ball beautifully in favorable conditions, while left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya added pressure with his variations. England was bowled out for a meager 185, giving Sri Lanka a commanding lead.
A Masterclass in Bowling: Sri Lanka Turns the Screws
With a healthy first-innings lead in hand, Sri Lanka continued their dominance in the second innings. Their top order made useful contributions, with Angelo Mathews anchoring the innings with a composed 77. Sri Lanka set England a daunting target of 375 runs on a pitch that had begun to deteriorate, making life difficult for the English batsmen.
As the final innings began, Sri Lanka’s bowlers stepped up once again, this time with an even greater sense of urgency. England’s batsmen, who had shown vulnerability in the first innings, failed to cope with the relentless pressure. Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers exploited the uneven bounce and swing, picking up early wickets. The hosts’ hopes of a miraculous chase were dashed as key players, including Joe Root and Ben Stokes, fell cheaply.
Prabath Jayasuriya, who had troubled England’s middle order in the first innings, continued his fine form in the second, spinning webs around the batsmen. His subtle variations and accurate line kept England’s batters guessing, leading to crucial breakthroughs at regular intervals.
By the end of Day 4, England found themselves at 180/7, still needing nearly 200 runs to win with only three wickets in hand. Sri Lanka, smelling victory, will look to wrap up the remaining wickets quickly on the final day and secure a memorable win.
England’s Struggles and Sri Lanka’s Resilience
England’s performance in this Test has been uncharacteristically poor, especially after the dominance they displayed in the earlier matches. Their top order has struggled to cope with the swinging and spinning ball, and a lack of partnerships has left them in a perilous position. Questions will surely be asked about their approach to the game, particularly their inability to handle pressure in key moments.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s resurgence has been nothing short of extraordinary. After being written off by many following their dismal performance in the first two Tests, they have shown immense fighting spirit. Led by Karunaratne’s leadership and the brilliance of their bowlers, Sri Lanka has capitalized on England’s mistakes and controlled the game.
The Importance of this Win for Sri Lanka
If Sri Lanka completes the job on the final day, this victory will go down as one of their finest in recent years, especially in foreign conditions. It would not only help them avoid a series whitewash but also boost the morale of a team that has been in transition for the past few years. A win against a formidable England side on their home turf would serve as a reminder of Sri Lanka’s ability to compete at the highest level.
This triumph would also be a reward for Sri Lanka’s young bowling unit, which has shown immense promise throughout the series. The likes of Madushanka and Fernando have demonstrated that they have the potential to lead Sri Lanka’s pace attack for years to come, while Prabath Jayasuriya has cemented his place as a key figure in their spin department.
What Lies Ahead for England and Sri Lanka?
For England, this match serves as a wake-up call. Despite their recent success in Test cricket, this defeat, if it materializes, will highlight some glaring weaknesses, particularly in their batting lineup. The English think tank will need to reassess their strategies and ensure they can adapt to different conditions, especially as they prepare for future international assignments.
As for Sri Lanka, this potential victory will provide them with much-needed confidence moving forward. While the series may be lost, the win would be a moral victory and a statement to the cricketing world that Sri Lanka is a force to be reckoned with. It will also give their younger players the belief that they can perform on the biggest stage, even against top teams like England.
Conclusion: A Test Match to Remember
The third Test between England and Sri Lanka has turned into an enthralling contest, with the visitors on the verge of a historic win. Sri Lanka’s remarkable comeback, built on solid batting and a ruthless bowling display, has left England in a vulnerable position. As the final day approaches, all eyes will be on Sri Lanka as they seek to complete their hard-fought victory and end the series on a high note.
For cricket fans, this match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and beauty of Test cricket, where fortunes can change in a matter of days, and no team can ever be truly written off.