Nissanka becomes first Lankan opener to score century in England since 2011

Pathum Nissanka broke a 13-year-old record as he smashed his second Test century (127), becoming the first Sri Lankan opener to register a ton in England since 2011. The last Lankan opener to hit a century in England was Tilakaratne Dilshan in 2011. Dilshan hit a century at Lord’s, where he made 193 runs. 

Highest score for a SL opener in England in Tests

213 - Sanath Jayasuriya vs ENG, The Oval, 1998

193 - TM Dilshan vs ENG, Lord's, 2011

190 - Sidath Wettimuny vs ENG, Lord's, 1984

185 - Marvan Atapattu vs ENG, Lord's, 2002

127* - Pathum Nissanka vs ENG, The Oval, 2024

109 - Russell Arnold vs ENG, Manchester, 2002

105 - Michael Vandort vs ENG, Birmingham, 2006

102* - Amal Silva vs ENG, Lord's, 1984

Nissanka, who smashed a fifty in the first innings, was the central figure in Sri Lanka’s chase of 219 as they reached the target, losing just two wickets. The 26-year-old scored an unbeaten 127 off just 124 balls, hitting 13 fours and two sixes as he added an unbeaten 111 with Angelo Mathews.

Mathews remained calm throughout the innings despite many of Chris Waokes’ deliveries beating the outside edge of his willow early on. The Lankan veteran added 32 off 64 during his stay at the crease. England won the series 2-1, having won the first and second Test at Old Trafford and Lord’s, respectively. 

Since Nissanka scored his half-century and century at less than run a ball, he became only the second Lankan batter to have scored two 50+ scores at less than run a ball. Yet again, no prizes for guessing; the first was Dilshan, who achieved the feat in 2009 against New Zealand in Galle. 

Nissanka was on a record-breaking spree in this game as he also became the fifth Sri Lankan in Tests to score hundred-plus runs at a strike of more than 100.

Highest strike rate in an innings for a SL batter in Test (100+ runs)

130 - Mahela Jayawardene vs BAN, Colombo, 2001

107 - Sanath Jayasuriya vs ZIM, Harare, 2004

104 - Aravinda de Silva vs PAK, Colombo, 1997

102 - Pathum Nissanka vs ENG, The Oval, 2024

100 - Romesh Kaluwitharana vs NZ, Dunedin, 1997

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