Sanath Jayasuriya compares Sri Lanka's 1998 and 2024 Oval Test wins

There have been many moments in the history of Sri Lanka cricket that have stood out; however, there have been very few that have been as iconic as the side’s win at the Oval against England in 1998. Former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya had a big hand in helping Sri Lanka register a win in 1998, as he scored 213 runs off 278 balls in the first innings.

Furthermore, Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka’s interim coach when the side recently defeated England at the Oval by eight wickets in the third Test of the recently concluded series. 

It is worth noting that while Sri Lanka’s win in 1998 was on a dry deck, the situation was quite different this time around. The visitors managed to topple England in cold and cloudy weather on a green track. Talking of the same, Jayasuriya compared Sri Lanka’s win at the Oval in 1998 to that of 2024.

"About 27 years ago, we won here, under Arjuna [Ranatunga]. Murali [Muthiah Muralidaran] got about 16 wickets; I got a double-hundred; Aravinda [de Silva] got a 150; it's a place we'll never forget—The Oval,” Sanath Jayasuriya was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

"But these guys played in different conditions altogether. It was tough conditions, with the grass and the weather, and everything was cloudy and cold. All credit to these boys. The fielders fielded well, and the batsmen took responsibility in the second innings,” he added. 

It is worth noting that Sri Lanka conceded 325 runs against England in the first innings of the third Test and scored 263 in response, minimizing their trail as much as possible. The visitors changed the game in the second innings, when they bundled out England for a score of 156 runs, getting a target of 219 runs to win the game. 

Also Read: WTC 2023-25 Points Table: Here's a look at the latest standings after Sri Lanka win against England

The side opened the second innings with Pathum Nissanka scoring 127* runs, with Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews scoring 39 and 32* runs, respectively, as Sri Lanka won the game by eight wickets. 

"It's the first time we went with four fast bowlers, and we went with that because of the conditions here, and all of them went beyond 100% in their efforts; it's a joy to talk about them. Our second-innings bowling was remarkable—they stuck to the plan and got them out in under 35 overs, all out for a little more than 150,” Jayasuriya said.