Despite England clinching the three-match series, Sri Lanka's victory was one for the history books, as they not only climbed above England in the ICC World Test Championship standings but also shattered multiple records in the process. A Critical Test Championship Boost With this stunning victory, Sri Lanka's World Test Championship campaign received a significant boost. They now sit above England in the standings, having won three out of seven matches in this cycle. Their points percentage stands at 42.857%, marginally ahead of England's 42.187% from 16 matches. The narrow difference adds further drama to the Test Championship race, and Sri Lanka's momentum going forward will be crucial in the remainder of the cycle. Turning Point: The Pacers' Decisive Spell England had the upper hand after the first innings, taking a lead of 62 runs by bowling out Sri Lanka for 263 in response to their own 325. However, the game's defining moment came on day three, when Sri Lanka's pace attack delivered a devastating spell, reducing the hosts to 69/5 and eventually 82/7. England's middle-order resistance came from Jamie Smith, whose counter-attacking 67 off 50 balls gave England a decent second-innings score of 156, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target of 219 runs. Sri Lanka's Record-Breaking Chase The run-chase was nothing short of extraordinary, with Pathum Nissanka leading the charge in one of the finest fourth-innings performances by a Sri Lankan cricketer. Nissanka's explosive 127* is now the highest score by a Sri Lankan in the fourth innings of a Test since Kusal Perera's legendary 153* against South Africa in 2019. Nissanka, who also played a crucial role in the first innings with a brisk 64 off 51 balls, completely dominated the English bowling, bringing up his half-century in just 42 balls. Kusal Mendis provided strong support, smashing 39 off 37 balls, as Sri Lanka blazed through England's attack at a rate of over six runs per over. By the time Mendis fell to a stunning catch by Shoaib Bashir early on day four, the damage had been done, and Sri Lanka was within striking distance of victory. Nissanka, partnered by veteran Angelo Mathews, steered the team home, capping off a memorable innings. Historic Win in England This win marked Sri Lanka's first Test victory in England since their memorable win at Leeds in June 2014. It is only their fourth Test win on English soil overall, making this result particularly significant in Sri Lankan cricket history. ENG vs SL: Records Broken and Milestones Achieved 1. Pathum Nissanka's Fourth-Innings Masterclass: Nissanka's unbeaten 127* is now the highest score by a Sri Lankan in a fourth-innings chase since Kusal Perera's 153* against South Africa in 2019. 2. Highest Fourth-Innings Chase by Sri Lanka in England: Sri Lanka's chase of 219 is now their highest successful fourth-innings chase in England. 3. First Test Win in England in a Decade: This victory ended a 10-year drought for Sri Lanka in Test matches on English soil, their last win being at Headingley in 2014. 4. Climbing the ICC World Test Championship Rankings: Sri Lanka's win helped them surpass England in the standings with a points percentage of 42.857%, a crucial step as they navigate a tough Test schedule ahead. The Road Ahead for Sri Lanka and England Sri Lanka's upcoming Test assignments are challenging, with home series against New Zealand and Australia on the horizon, alongside an away series against South Africa. These matches will be vital for Sri Lanka as they seek to maintain their World Test Championship momentum. England, on the other hand, will head to Pakistan for a three-match Test series, followed by another crucial tour to New Zealand to wrap up their World Test Championship campaign. Sri Lanka's victory at The Oval will be remembered not only for its impact on the Test Championship standings but also for the records it shattered and the resilience it showcased, proving that even in foreign conditions, they remain a formidable force in world cricket.