In Brief
- Sri Lanka overhauled England's total of 429/4 to win by 2 wickets with just one ball to spare, sealing the second-highest run chase ever recorded in ODI cricket.
- England's innings was anchored by a blistering double century from Harry Brook, who smashed 202 off 116 balls.
- Pavan Rathnayake led the Sri Lankan response with 130 off 106 balls, supported by vital explosive innings from Avishka Fernando (97), Dasun Shanaka (97), and Janith Liyanage (61*).
A Run-Fest in Rawalpindi
During the ODI Tri-Series match in Rawalpindi on Thursday, cricket fans witnessed one of the most remarkable and high-scoring encounters in the history of the 50-over format. Asked to bat first, England put up a staggering total of 429/4 in their allotted 50 overs. The standout performance came from Harry Brook, who played a sensational knock of 202 runs from just 116 deliveries, dismantling the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Sri Lanka's Record-Breaking Response
Facing a daunting target of 430, Sri Lanka experienced an early wobble, slipping to 24/2. However, a historic recovery followed. Avishka Fernando ignited the momentum with a quickfire 97 off 83 balls, partnering in a crucial 166-run stand with Pavan Rathnayake, who went on to score 130 off 106 deliveries.
As the match entered a tense finish, Dasun Shanaka unleashed a blistering 97 off 50 balls, before Janith Liyanage applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 61 off 21 deliveries. Sri Lanka crossed the finish line at 430/8 in 49.5 overs, completing a historic victory by 2 wickets.
Historical Context
This phenomenal run chase stands as the second-highest successful target ever achieved in ODI cricket history, sitting just behind South Africa's legendary chase of 435 against Australia in 2006.
