Sri Lanka gets second-highest successful chase in ODI history with victory over England

Sri Lanka completed one of the highest successful run chases in men’s ODI history, beating England by two wickets after reaching 430 for eight in Rawalpindi. 

England had posted 429 for four, powered by Harry Brook’s record-breaking 202, but Janith Liyanage struck Josh Tongue for six off the fifth ball of the final over to seal the victory.

Brook became the first England batter to score a double century in men’s ODIs, reaching the milestone in 114 balls before finishing with 202 from 116 deliveries. 

His innings included 21 fours and 10 sixes, surpassing Ben Stokes’ previous England record of 182. 

He also bettered Shubman Gill’s record for the fastest double century in men’s ODIs, which had taken the Indian batter 117 balls.

Joe Root added 69 from 66 balls, while Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66 from just 30 deliveries as England reached 429 for four. 

It was England’s fourth-highest ODI total and the highest score in a men’s ODI played in Pakistan, but Sri Lanka’s batters had other plans.

The hosts lost two wickets for 24 runs in their reply before Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake put together a 166-run partnership for the third wicket. 

Rathnayake led the recovery with 130 off 106 balls, reaching his century in 87 deliveries, while Fernando fell three runs short of his own hundred with 97 off 83.

Dasun Shanaka then took the attack to England, scoring 97 from 50 deliveries with eight sixes. His partnership with Rathnayake kept Sri Lanka within reach of the target, although both batters missed out on centuries as England looked for a way back into the contest.

Liyanage took responsibility in the closing stages, finishing unbeaten on 61 from 27 balls. England had a chance to force a late turnaround when Sri Lanka needed eight runs from the final over, but Tongue removed Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga from consecutive deliveries.

With the pressure back on Sri Lanka, Liyanage responded by sending Tongue over long-off for six off the fifth ball, leaving the visitors with no chance to recover. 

It was the decisive moment in a chase that required contributions from several batters to overcome England’s huge total.

England were left facing elimination from the tri-series after suffering a second successive defeat. 

Brook admitted the result was disappointing after his double century had put the side in a strong position, while Sam Curran conceded 103 runs in his spell, setting a new record for the most expensive ODI figures by an England bowler.