Comments from the past greats of the game

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Nasser Hussain: It was the perfect run chase, a historic run chase. It was brilliant to see because Sri Lanka is such a talented and passionate cricketing nation. They needed a day like this.

Kumar Sangakkara: Chasing down 429 is a game for the ages. When you take Sri Lanka I thought of the tempo of their chase, the way they started, the exceptional batting from Pavan Rathnayake, Avishka Fernando coming after a long absence getting that foundation right. Sometimes we’ve seen in the past trying too much too soon they paced their innings well. But it took some really special back end hitting one from Shanaka striking at just under 200 and then Janith Liyanage striking at over 200. So that was just an exceptional innings. It doesn’t matter what the conditions were flat, dew, 429 to be chased down always requires a supremely special effort and Sri Lanka with the bat brilliant. But caution: they still have a long way to go in terms of improving crucial areas of their game.

Dimuth Karunaratne: The best way to answer criticism is with the bat! Well played, boys! Special shout-out to Pavan for his second hundred, Avishka, Dassa for a brilliant innings, and Janith for an amazing finish! 430 runs chased. Doubters silenced. Belief proven. It’s all about TRUST, BELIEVE & EXECUTE!

Sanath Jayasuriya: Congratulations, boys, on a fantastic run chase! On our day, we are second to none. As I’ve always said, the talent is there. Well done, Keep making Sri Lanka proud!

From the captains

Harry Brook: Incredible game of cricket. I thought both teams were exceptional. Sri Lanka just outplayed us, unfortunately. We couldn’t quite hit our straps with the ball and played into their strengths a little bit, and again they played exceptional cricket to knock off 400. I think you said the first time in 20 years is an incredible achievement, so fair play to them.

Kusal Mendis: Everybody showed character and took responsibility. That’s why we chased 430 runs. Avishka, Pavan, Dasun, Janith batted really well. I think everyone believed we can do it. Every day we are in the meeting, we are talking about character and we believed in ourselves. Everybody knows how to play, and we showed that we can play and score in today’s chase.