Sri Lanka Pull Off Record-Breaking Chase to Beat England Despite Brook’s Historic Double Century

Sri Lanka produced a remarkable batting performance to defeat England by two wickets in a record-breaking run chase in Rawalpindi, successfully chasing down a massive target of 430 with just one ball remaining. England captain Harry Brook’s historic double century ultimately went in vain as Sri Lanka completed the second-highest successful chase in ODI history.

After England posted a formidable 429 for 4 in their 50 overs, Sri Lanka reached 430 for 8 in 49.5 overs, thanks to outstanding contributions from Pavan Rathnayake, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage.

Brook Makes History with Double Century

England suffered an early setback after losing two wickets for just 24 runs. However, Brook joined Joe Root to rebuild the innings, putting together a 159-run partnership for the third wicket. Root contributed 69.

Brook then combined with Will Jacks to add another 185 runs for the fourth wicket, taking England to an imposing total.

Brook smashed 202 off 114 balls, becoming the first England batter to score an ODI double century. His innings featured a remarkable range of attacking strokes, including scoops, reverse-scoops and powerful shots down the ground.

Jacks remained unbeaten on 66 off 46 balls, while Tom Banton contributed 50. England finished on 429 for 4, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target of 430.

Brook also became only the second player, after Chris Gayle, to achieve the all-format combination of a Test triple century, an ODI double century and a T20I century.

Rathnayake and Avishka Lead Sri Lanka’s Recovery

Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a disastrous start as they slipped to 38 for 3 in the fifth over. Kusal Mendis was run out without facing a delivery, leaving the visitors under enormous pressure.

However, Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake revived the innings with a crucial 166-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Rathnayake produced a magnificent innings of 130, his highest international score, while Fernando narrowly missed out on a century, falling for 97.

Dasun Shanaka continued the assault with an explosive 97 off just 50 balls. He and Rathnayake helped put Sri Lanka firmly back in contention before both batters departed at critical stages.

Shanaka struck six fours and eight sixes, providing the momentum Sri Lanka needed to keep pace with the required run rate.

Liyanage Delivers a Stunning Finish

With the match hanging in the balance, Janith Liyanage produced a sensational finishing performance to guide Sri Lanka home.

Coming in at No. 7, Liyanage smashed an unbeaten 61 off just 27 deliveries, hitting seven fours and three sixes. His aggressive approach proved decisive as the required runs mounted in the closing overs.

Sri Lanka needed 13 runs from the final two overs. Josh Tongue conceded only five in the 49th over, leaving the visitors requiring eight from the final six balls.

Tongue then struck twice in succession, dismissing Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga to leave Sri Lanka needing seven runs from the final three deliveries.

Asitha Fernando took a single to bring Liyanage back on strike. With six runs required from the final two balls, Liyanage launched Tongue over long-off for a match-winning six, sparking wild celebrations among the Sri Lankan players.

Brook’s Historic Effort Ends in Defeat

Despite his record-breaking innings, Brook became the first batter in ODI history to score a double century and finish on the losing side.

Speaking after the match, Brook acknowledged Sri Lanka’s superior performance, admitting that England had failed to execute their plans with the ball.

The defeat was England’s second loss in three days in the tri-series.

Match Summary

England – 429/4 (50 overs)
Harry Brook 202, Joe Root 69, Will Jacks 66*, Tom Banton 50
Josh Tongue 3/79

Sri Lanka – 430/8 (49.5 overs)
Pavan Rathnayake 130, Avishka Fernando 97, Dasun Shanaka 97, Janith Liyanage 61*
Sam Curran 2/103

Result: Sri Lanka won by two wickets.