Sri Lanka produced a remarkable batting performance to beat England by two wickets in the third match of the Pakistan-hosted ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, chasing down 430 to register the second-highest successful run chase in men’s ODI history. England captain Harry Brook had earlier smashed a record-breaking 202 off 116 balls to take his side to 429/4, but Sri Lanka survived a dramatic finish to complete a stunning victory.
After losing two early wickets to slip to 24/2, Sri Lanka rebuilt their innings through Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake, who added 166 runs for the third wicket. Fernando narrowly missed a century with 97 off 83 balls, while Rathnayake struck 130 off 106 deliveries to put the chase back on track.
Fernando’s dismissal did little to slow Sri Lanka, but Rathnayake’s departure gave England an opening to fight back. Dasun Shanaka then launched a blistering counterattack, scoring 97 off just 50 balls to bring the target within reach. His dismissal, however, left the finish in the balance, with Janith Liyanage taking charge in the closing stages.
Liyanage remained unbeaten on 61 off 27 balls, holding his nerve as England threatened to snatch victory. With eight runs needed in the final over, Josh Tongue dismissed Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga off consecutive deliveries, leaving Sri Lanka eight wickets down and the pressure firmly on the lower order.
Asitha Fernando survived the next delivery and took a single to bring Liyanage back on strike. The batter responded emphatically, launching Tongue over long-off for six to seal the win with one ball remaining.
England had earlier looked set for an imposing total after Brook’s extraordinary innings. He reached his double century in 114 balls, breaking the record for the fastest ODI double century previously held by India’s Shubman Gill. Brook struck 21 fours and 10 sixes to become the first England batter to score a double century in the format.
Joe Root contributed 69 off 66 balls, while Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66 off 30 deliveries. England scored 156 runs in the final 10 overs to finish at 429/4, their highest ODI total recorded in Pakistan.
Sri Lanka’s 430/8 became their highest successful ODI chase and the second-highest in the format, behind South Africa’s pursuit of 438 against Australia in 2006. The victory also gave them their first points in the tri-series, while England were left to absorb a defeat despite Brook’s historic achievement.
