Sri Lanka pulled off an extraordinary win against England in the third match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 on Thursday successfully chasing a daunting 430-run target in Rawalpindi.
England had posted a mammoth 429/4, courtesy of Harry Brook’s sensational double hundred, but Sri Lanka responded with a spectacular batting performance to seal a memorable victory.
Where does Sri Lanka’s run chase rank in men’s ODI cricket history?
The result saw Sri Lanka register the second-highest successful run chase in the history of men’s ODI cricket, overcoming England’s enormous total in a thrilling encounter. South Africa continue to hold the record for the highest successful chase in ODI cricket. They scored 438/9 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006 overhauling a target of 435 to claim a dramatic one-wicket victory.
How did Harry Brook make history despite England’s defeat?
Despite England ending up on the losing side, Brook delivered a remarkable performance with the bat. The England captain hammered 202 off just 116 balls, becoming the first English batter to score a double century in men’s ODI cricket.
Who supported Harry Brook as England posted 429/4?
His explosive innings featured 21 fours and 10 sixes, while also setting a new record for the fastest double century in ODI history. Joe Root chipped in with 69 from 66 deliveries, and Will Jacks added further firepower with an unbeaten 66 off only 30 balls. Their contributions helped England reach 429/4, putting Sri Lanka under enormous pressure ahead of the chase.
How did Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake revive Sri Lanka’s run chase?
Sri Lanka faced an early setback after losing two wickets during the opening stages of their innings. However, Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake steadied the innings with a crucial partnership, keeping their side in contention for the daunting target.
What were the individual scores of Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake?
Fernando struck 97 from 83 balls, narrowly missing out on a century. Rathnayake, meanwhile, produced an outstanding knock of 130 off 106 deliveries to keep the required run rate within reach. Their efforts laid the foundation for a remarkable comeback and shifted the pressure back onto England’s bowlers.
How did Dasun Shanaka’s fast-paced knock bring Sri Lanka close to victory?
Dasun Shanaka provided the decisive attacking impetus, smashing 97 runs from just 50 deliveries. His innings included eight sixes and helped Sri Lanka make significant progress towards the target in the closing stages.
Who finished the match to seal Sri Lanka’s historic victory?
Like Fernando, Shanaka missed the three-figure mark by just three runs. Nevertheless, his aggressive batting proved instrumental in bringing Sri Lanka within touching distance of a historic triumph. Janith Liyanage then played a vital finishing role, remaining unbeaten after scoring a half-century as Sri Lanka completed the remarkable chase.
How did Sri Lanka’s team effort overshadow Harry Brook’s record double century?
Brook’s record-breaking double century had appeared to put England in a commanding position, but Sri Lanka’s collective batting effort ultimately stole the spotlight, producing one of the most memorable run chases in ODI history.