RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka produced a sensational batting performance to chase down a mammoth target of 430 runs and defeat England by two wickets in the third match of the Pakistan-hosted ODI tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Pavan Rathnayake led the extraordinary pursuit with a magnificent 130, while Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka narrowly missed centuries with scores of 97 each. Janith Liyanage then delivered a breathtaking finish, remaining unbeaten on 61 as Sri Lanka reached 430/8 in 49.5 overs to complete one of the most remarkable successful chases in ODI history.
The result came after England captain Harry Brook had produced a sensational double century to power his side to 429/4 in 50 overs.
Brook’s Historic Double Century Powers England
England made full use of the batting-friendly conditions, piling up an imposing total after being asked to bat first.
Brook led the charge with a stunning 202 off 116 deliveries, striking 21 fours and 10 sixes. The England captain dominated the Sri Lankan bowling attack and became the first English batter to score a double century in men’s ODI cricket.
Joe Root provided valuable support with 69 off 66 balls as the pair added 159 runs for the third wicket, putting England firmly in control after the early dismissals of the openers.
Tom Banton contributed 51 off 50 balls, while Ben Duckett scored 29 before both fell to Dunith Wellalage in successive overs.
Brook subsequently joined forces with Will Jacks to unleash a devastating assault in the closing stages. The pair added 185 runs off just 77 deliveries, taking England beyond the 400-run mark.
Jacks remained unbeaten on 60 off 33 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes, while Brook was dismissed on the final delivery of the innings.
England finished at 429/4, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target of 430.
Wellalage was the most successful Sri Lankan bowler, claiming two wickets for 56 runs in his 10 overs. Asitha Fernando and Janith Liyanage picked up one wicket each.
Rathnayake and Fernando Launch Sri Lanka’s Fightback
Sri Lanka’s chase began poorly, with Kamindu Mendis dismissed for 18 and captain Kusal Mendis falling for a duck. The visitors were reduced to 24/2 inside five overs, facing the prospect of an early collapse.
However, Rathnayake and Fernando responded with a magnificent counterattack, taking the fight to England’s bowlers and transforming the contest.
The pair added 166 runs for the third wicket, with both batters reaching their half-centuries as Sri Lanka rebuilt their innings at an impressive rate.
Fernando looked set for a century before Jamie Overton ended his innings on 97 off 83 balls. His knock included 11 fours and two sixes, keeping Sri Lanka firmly in the contest.
Rathnayake, meanwhile, continued his assault and converted his half-century into a superb century. The right-hander struck 130 off 106 deliveries, including 15 fours and three sixes, providing the backbone of Sri Lanka’s chase.
His dismissal by Sam Curran in the 41st over threatened to shift the momentum back towards England, but Shanaka had other plans.
Shanaka’s Explosive Knock Keeps Sri Lanka in Contention
Shanaka produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, scoring 97 off just 50 balls with six fours and eight sixes.
The experienced all-rounder combined with Rathnayake before continuing the assault with Liyanage, ensuring Sri Lanka maintained the required scoring rate despite losing wickets.
Shanaka fell just three runs short of his maiden ODI century when Liam Dawson dismissed him, leaving Sri Lanka needing a strong finish to complete the historic chase.
With the match hanging in the balance, Liyanage took charge of the closing overs. He smashed an unbeaten 61 off just 27 deliveries, striking seven fours and three sixes to keep Sri Lanka within touching distance of victory.
Liyanage Seals an Extraordinary Victory
England’s Josh Tongue threatened to derail Sri Lanka’s pursuit with an important late spell, taking three wickets. However, Liyanage held his nerve when it mattered most.
With Sri Lanka needing a final push, he struck the winning six off Tongue on the fifth ball of the 50th over, sending the ball over the boundary and completing a remarkable two-wicket victory with one delivery remaining.
Sri Lanka finished at 430/8 in 49.5 overs, completing a successful chase of 430 and recording one of the highest successful run chases in men’s ODI cricket.
For England, Brook’s extraordinary double century ultimately ended in defeat despite the team’s massive total. Sri Lanka’s response, built on Rathnayake’s century and sustained by the explosive contributions of Fernando, Shanaka and Liyanage, proved even more decisive.
The contest will be remembered for its extraordinary scoring, dramatic momentum shifts and a thrilling finish that underlined the unpredictability of one-day international cricket.
Match Summary
England: 429/4 in 50 overs
Harry Brook: 202 (116 balls)
Joe Root: 69 (66 balls)
Will Jacks: 60* (33 balls)
Tom Banton: 51 (50 balls)
Dunith Wellalage: 2/56
Sri Lanka: 430/8 in 49.5 overs
Pavan Rathnayake: 130 (106 balls)
Avishka Fernando: 97 (83 balls)
Dasun Shanaka: 97 (50 balls)
Janith Liyanage: 61* (27 balls)
Josh Tongue: 3 wickets
Result: Sri Lanka won by two wickets, with one ball remaining.
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan.
Tournament: ODI Tri-Series, 2026.
