Sri Lanka Script History with Second-Highest Chase in ODI Cricket Against England

• Rathnayake, Fernando add 166 runs together.
• Shanaka scores explosive 97 off just 50

RAWALPINDI (Mudassar Chuhdary): Sri Lanka created history at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, chasing down a mammoth target of 430 runs to defeat England by two wickets in a thrilling encounter. England captain Harry Brook’s magnificent double century went in vain as Sri Lanka completed one of the greatest run chases in ODI cricket history.

In the third match of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka-England ODI tri-series, Sri Lanka pulled off a sensational victory after chasing down England’s imposing total of 429 for four in 49.5 overs, losing eight wickets in the process.

Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that appeared costly as England’s batters produced a remarkable display of power hitting.

England captain Harry Brook led the charge with a breathtaking unbeaten 202 off 116 balls, smashing 21 boundaries and 10 sixes. With this outstanding innings, Brook became the first England batter to score a double century in men’s ODI cricket.

Joe Root contributed 69 runs, Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66, Tom Banton scored 50, and Ben Duckett added 29 as England posted a formidable total of 429 for four in their allotted 50 overs.

For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage claimed two wickets, while Asitha Fernando and Janith Liyanage picked up one wicket each.

England’s total also surpassed the previous highest score at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Pakistan had scored 337 against New Zealand in 2023.

In reply, Sri Lanka produced a remarkable batting performance to achieve the daunting target in the final over.

Pavan Rathnayake was the standout performer, smashing 130 off 106 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes, to lay the foundation for the successful chase.

Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka both made valuable contributions of 97 runs each, keeping Sri Lanka firmly in contention during the high-scoring contest.

Janith Liyanage then played a crucial unbeaten innings of 61 runs, guiding Sri Lanka across the finish line at 430 for eight in 49.5 overs and sealing a memorable two-wicket victory.

For England, Josh Tongue took three wickets, Sam Curran claimed two, while Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson picked up one wicket apiece.

Sri Lanka’s extraordinary chase overshadowed Brook’s historic double century and secured a landmark victory in a match that will be remembered for its record-breaking batting performances and dramatic finish.