Rawalpindi : Sri Lanka produced one of the greatest performances in men’s One-Day International cricket, chasing down England’s massive target of 430 runs to secure a thrilling two-wicket victory in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Sri Lanka finished on 430/8 in 49.5 overs, completing the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history. Janith Liyanage delivered the decisive blow, smashing a six off Josh Tongue in the final over when Sri Lanka needed eight runs to win from six balls.
The victory came after England captain Harry Brook produced a sensational double century, but his extraordinary innings ultimately ended in defeat.
Harry Brook’s Record-Breaking Double Century
England posted an imposing 429/4 in their allotted 50 overs after being asked to bat first. Brook led the charge with a remarkable 202 off 116 deliveries, including 21 fours and 10 sixes.
The England captain became the first English batter to score a double century in men’s ODI cricket and recorded the fastest ODI double century, reaching the milestone in 114 balls.
Joe Root contributed 69 off 66 deliveries, while Tom Banton scored 51. Brook then combined with Will Jacks, who remained unbeaten on 66, to power England beyond the 400-run mark.
Dunith Wellalage was Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker, finishing with two wickets.
Sri Lanka Recover from Early Trouble
However, Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake launched a remarkable recovery. Their third-wicket partnership transformed the chase and brought Sri Lanka back into contention.
Fernando scored 97 off 83 balls before falling short of a century. Rathnayake continued the assault, producing a magnificent 130 off 106 deliveries, with 15 fours and three sixes.
Although Rathnayake’s dismissal gave England renewed hope, Sri Lanka refused to surrender.
Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage Finish the Job
Dasun Shanaka delivered another explosive innings, scoring 97 off just 50 balls, including eight sixes. His aggressive approach kept Sri Lanka within reach of the target, although he also missed out on a century.
England fought back through Josh Tongue’s late wickets, creating tension as the chase approached its conclusion.
Liyanage, however, held his nerve under pressure. His unbeaten 61 off 27 balls proved crucial, and he finished the contest in spectacular fashion by clearing the boundary for six on the fifth ball of the 50th over.
Sri Lanka reached 430/8 in 49.5 overs to seal a memorable two-wicket victory with one ball remaining.
A Historic ODI Result
The result overshadowed Brook’s extraordinary achievement and underlined Sri Lanka’s batting depth and resilience. Their successful chase ranks among the most remarkable run chases the ODI format has witnessed.
For England, the defeat will be particularly disappointing after scoring 429 runs. For Sri Lanka, the victory represents a statement performance in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series and a match that will be remembered for its extraordinary scoring and dramatic finish.
England vs Sri Lanka, ODI Tri-Series – Match Scorecard
England: 429/4 (50 overs)
Harry Brook: 202 (116 balls)
Joe Root: 69 (66 balls)
Will Jacks: 66*
Tom Banton: 51
Dunith Wellalage: 2 wickets
Sri Lanka: 430/8 (49.5 overs)
Pavan Rathnayake: 130 (106 balls)
Avishka Fernando: 97 (83 balls)
Dasun Shanaka: 97 (50 balls)
Janith Liyanage: 61* (27 balls)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets, with 1 ball remaining.
Player of the Match: Pavan Rathnayake
Match Summary: Sri Lanka pulled off a sensational chase of 430 to register one of the greatest victories in ODI history. Despite Harry Brook’s record-breaking double century, England could not defend their imposing total as Pavan Rathnayake, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage powered Sri Lanka to a historic win.
