On a disrupted second day of the third Test at The Oval, London, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva provided a crucial rescue act for Sri Lanka. After early wickets had left them in trouble, the pair put together an unbeaten century stand to keep their team in contention against England.
England resumed their first innings at 221/3 after a curtailed opening day. Despite a promising start from Lahiru Kumara and Milan Rathnayake, who nearly made an immediate impact, the English batsmen extended their partnership. However, a dropped catch by Asitha Fernando off Rathnayake’s delivery didn’t deter Sri Lankan progress as Mendis made a brilliant catch to dismiss Harry Brook.
Sri Lankan bowlers showed greater discipline compared to the previous day, with Vishwa Fernando removing Jamie Smith. Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to use off-spin instead of pacers against England’s tail proved effective. De Silva struck twice in quick succession, supported by Rathnayake and Vishwa Fernando. England’s innings ended at 325, with Sri Lanka’s bowlers taking the last six wickets for just 35 runs.
Sri Lanka’s response began poorly with an opening stand of only 34 runs. Pathum Nissanka’s risky single led to his run-out, and although Kusal Mendis added some boundaries, he too fell to Chris Woakes. Nissanka’s rapid fifty was cut short as Sri Lanka lost three quick wickets, leaving them at 93 for 5.
At this point, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis took charge. They batted with determination, finding regular boundaries and steadying the innings. They managed to survive until tea, and continued their partnership despite fading light. Mendis and de Silva capitalized on the spinners, particularly against Shoaib Bashir and Dan Lawrence.
The pair’s century stand for the sixth wicket was pivotal, with de Silva reaching fifty first, followed closely by Mendis. The day ended with Sri Lanka trailing by 114 runs, but with their partnership unbeaten at 118 runs, they had ensured no further damage. The match was halted due to bad light, with the Sri Lankan duo providing hope for their team’s prospects in the match.
