Sri Lanka pulled off a remarkable two-wicket victory over England in Rawalpindi, completing the second-highest successful chase in ODI history after a breathtaking contest featuring 859 runs. Harry Brook smashed England’s first-ever ODI double century, but Pavan Rathnayake, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage produced a stunning response to help Sri Lanka chase down 430 with one ball remaining.
England posted a mammoth 429 for 4 after being asked to bat first, with Brook leading the charge through a sensational 202 off 114 balls. His innings broke the previous record for the fastest men’s ODI double century, set by Shubman Gill the previous month, and put England in a commanding position.
Joe Root supported Brook with 69, while Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66 and Tom Banton contributed 50. England’s powerful batting display appeared to have put the visitors firmly in control, leaving Sri Lanka with a daunting target under pressure.
Sri Lanka’s chase began disastrously as they slipped to 24 for 2. Kusal Mendis was run out without facing a delivery, with Gus Atkinson involved in the dismissal, leaving the hosts facing an uphill battle against England’s formidable total.
However, Pavan Rathnayake and Avishka Fernando turned the match around with a crucial partnership. Rathnayake scored a brilliant 130, while Fernando narrowly missed out on a century with 97. Their attacking approach kept Sri Lanka in the contest and ensured the required run rate remained within reach.
Dasun Shanaka then continued the assault with another 97, maintaining the momentum as Sri Lanka chased down the enormous target. With England struggling to contain the scoring, the hosts moved closer to a victory that had seemed unlikely after their early setbacks.
Janith Liyanage delivered the decisive contribution, smashing an unbeaten 61 from just 27 balls. His explosive innings proved vital as the match entered a tense final stage, with Sri Lanka needing to maintain their composure against England’s bowlers.
Josh Tongue briefly revived England’s hopes by dismissing Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga with successive deliveries. The late strikes left Sri Lanka under enormous pressure, but Asitha Fernando managed to get Liyanage back on strike.
With six runs required from the final two balls, Liyanage launched Tongue over long-off for six to seal an extraordinary victory. Sri Lanka finished on 430 for 8, completing a record-breaking chase and leaving Brook’s historic innings on the losing side.
The result highlighted the unpredictability of modern ODI cricket, with both teams producing extraordinary batting performances on a remarkable day in Rawalpindi. England’s 429 for 4 would ordinarily have been enough to secure victory, but Sri Lanka’s depth, resilience and late hitting carried them over the line in one of the format’s most memorable encounters.
