Sri Lanka’s memorable win at The Oval in 1998 remains etched in the history of cricket, but according to interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya, the recent triumph over England at the same venue in 2024 was even more remarkable. Jayasuriya, who played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s historic 1998 win, hailed the 2024 team’s success as a testament to their resilience in much tougher conditions.
Jayasuriya’s Reflection on Both Wins
Speaking after Sri Lanka’s eight-wicket victory on September 9, 2024, Jayasuriya said, “About 27 years ago, we won here under Arjuna [Ranatunga], and that was a memorable victory. But these boys played in completely different conditions – it was cold, cloudy, and the pitch had grass. Their performance under such difficult circumstances makes this win very special.”
In contrast, the 1998 win came on a dry Oval pitch under clear skies, where Jayasuriya himself had smashed a double century, scoring 213 off 278 balls in the first innings. Muttiah Muralidaran was the chief destroyer with 16 wickets. However, this time it was Sri Lanka’s seamers who stole the show.
The Fast Bowlers Shine
The victory in 2024 was crafted by a quartet of Sri Lankan fast bowlers—Asitha Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, Vishwa Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara—who shared 18 wickets between them. Sri Lanka bowled England out for 154 in the second innings, with Kumara’s fiery spells leading the charge.
Jayasuriya commended the fast bowlers’ performances, stating, “It’s the first time we went with four fast bowlers, and all of them gave more than 100%. Lahiru [Kumara] was exceptional, while Asitha [Fernando] remained outstanding throughout the series. Milan Rathnayake was brilliant as a debutant, and Vishwa [Fernando] delivered exactly what we needed in the second innings.”
Pathum Nissanka’s Heroics
Sri Lanka’s chase of 219 was led by Pathum Nissanka, whose unbeaten 127 off 124 balls secured the victory. Nissanka, who had been sidelined from Test cricket due to injuries, played a natural attacking game that set the tone for Sri Lanka’s win. His aggressive style allowed Sri Lanka to dominate despite the challenging conditions.
“Pathum played his natural game, and it was a joy to see. His ability to score freely allowed the other batsmen to settle into their own games,” Jayasuriya said. He also praised Kamindu Mendis, who was Sri Lanka’s most consistent batter throughout the series, scoring a century and two fifties while batting lower down the order.
Emerging Talents and All-Round Contributions
Milan Rathnayake, who made his Test debut earlier in the series, not only impressed with the ball, taking 10 wickets, but also contributed vital runs with the bat. Jayasuriya acknowledged Rathnayake’s impact, highlighting the potential for him to become a key seam-bowling allrounder for Sri Lanka in the future.
“Milan batted and bowled superbly throughout the series. His performances, both as a bowler and as a batsman, were invaluable,” Jayasuriya added.
Looking Ahead
This victory serves as a significant boost for Sri Lanka as they continue their journey in the ICC World Test Championship. With young talents like Nissanka and Rathnayake rising to the occasion, and seasoned campaigners like Kumara and Asitha Fernando leading the bowling attack, the future looks promising for Sri Lankan cricket.
As Jayasuriya concluded, “This win is not just about this match—it’s a statement of how this team is growing. The conditions were tough, but we showed that Sri Lanka can compete with the best in any situation.”
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The Oval, once again, has become a historic ground for Sri Lanka, with both the 1998 and 2024 victories standing as iconic moments in the nation’s cricketing history.
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