100 for Pathum Nissankapublished at 34.2 overs

34.2 overs

SL 179-2

Punched through the covers - and that's the century for Pathum Nissanka!

A brilliant knock from the Sri Lanka opener and his second Test ton comes up from just 107 balls.

Fantastic stuff to take his side to the brink of victory at the Oval.

Ebony Rainford-Brent
Former England batter on BBC Sounds

When I watch both Pathum Nissanka and Jamie Smith play, they play aggressively and keep the game moving.

Their shot selection is still conventional. Classic cricket shots with intent and it's really working for Nissanka.

England go up as Olly Stone raps Angelo Mathews on the front pad. The bowler himself isn't particularly interested, though, he knows it was sneaking down leg.

Pathum Nissanka then guides the ball down to deep third for two to move to 97 and a single means he'll be on strike to start the next over, just two away from his second Test century.

Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent

That was not a good ball from Woakes and Nissanka seized on it.

Sri Lanka are closing in on victory and Pathum Nissanka is on the brink of a memorable century.

He pounces on some width from Chris Woakes and carves the ball through backward point for four to move to 95.

It's been one of those days for England so far.

Olly Stone ends a decent over by finding Angelo Mathews' outside edge but the ball goes into the gap between third slip and gully, and away for four.

Michael Vaughan
Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

It's been a beautiful innings by Nissanka.

He's come in with a mission and has played with great balance on both sides of the wicket, front and back foot.

After Pathum Nissanka clips a single to move to 88, Chris Woakes angles a delivery down leg and it beats the despairing dive of Jamie Smith. Four byes.

Now four leg byes off the the thigh pad of Angelo Mathews. Sri Lanka are closing in. England need a miracle.

Joe Root's bail switch didn't do the trick...

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Shoaib Bashir's spell lasts just one over. Ollie Pope whips the young spinner out of the attack and goes back to the swing and seam of Chris Woakes.

If there was any doubt that England need something special, Joe Root has just tried the old bail switching trick.

Daniel Norcross
BBC Test Match Special commentator on BBC Sounds

Nissanka has performed a brilliant innings with tremendous strokes.

He's quick between the wickets and is very aware. He's not looking recklessly for runs.

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Time for drinks and Sri Lanka will be delighted with how the first hour and a bit has gone.

They lost Kusal Mendis early on but Pathum Nissanka and Angelo Mathews have calmly continued the chase.

Just 67 more required to win and, in truth, England have not looked like taking a wicket for some time.

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England have lost their second against Ireland as Hollie Armitage holes out to mid-off for 19 from 35 balls, with the wicket going to spinner Freya Sargent.

It was a canny bit of bowling from the young spinner having been clubbed for four from the first ball of the over, but bravely kept throwing the ball up and encouraging England's batters to take it on.

But Tammy Beaumont is still going along nicely, with 45 from 56 balls as she looks to rebuild again with Paige Scholfield. Beaumont fell cheaply for 10 in the first ODI and looks determined to make up for the rare failure.

Michael Vaughan
Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

Image source, Reuters

England have chosen to go for the ultra-aggressive method of play, when the ball is doing a little bit.

It comes with a price and it's borderline reckless.

An expensive first over from Shoaib Bashir as he takes a bit of time to get into his rhythm.

A drag down is pulled away comfortably by Pathum Nissanka, who moves to 82 from 84 balls.

The England spinner gets a bit fuller later in the over but Angelo Mathews sweeps high behind square for four more.

It's all too easy for Sri Lanka at the moment.

Michael Vaughan
Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

Sri Lanka might try and take Bashir on. They've played with great discipline so far and need to continue what they're doing.

Isa is going to get her wish. Shoaib Bashir is into the attack to bowl his off-spin and he's got a big rough patch outside the right-handers' off stump to aim at.

Isa Guha
Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

England have to make a change now in their attack.

Sri Lanka are just picking them off very easily. I think It's time for a bit of Bashir.

There are gaps everywhere and the England bowlers just aren't managing to stem the steady flow of runs.

At the moment, their best chance of a breakthrough looks like a run out as Angelo Mathews is far too casual coming back for a two into the leg side and the sub fielder hurls the ball at the stumps.

Gone with a direct hit.

As it is, Sri Lanka continue merrily on their way with Pathum Nissanka slapping a short, wide ball from Josh Hull to the point boundary.