Sri Lanka pull off second-highest ODI chase to stun England in Rawalpindi thriller

Pavan Rathnayake's 130, Dasun Shanaka's explosive 97 and Janith Liyanage's unbeaten 61 help Sri Lanka chase 430 with one ball to spare despite Harry Brook's record-breaking double century

Sri Lanka scripted one of the greatest run chases in one-day international history on Thursday, defeating England by two wickets in a high-scoring thriller at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to register the second-highest successful chase in men's ODI cricket.

Chasing a mammoth target of 430 in the third match of the ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, the visitors reached 430-8 in 49.5 overs, with Janith Liyanage smashing a six off Josh Tongue in the final over to seal a remarkable victory.

The result overshadowed England captain Harry Brook's extraordinary 202 off 116 deliveries, which included 21 fours and 10 sixes, as England posted a commanding 429-4 in their allotted 50 overs.

Sri Lanka's chase is now second only to South Africa's historic 438-9 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006, when the Proteas successfully chased a target of 435.

Rathnayake, Shanaka lead historic chase

Sri Lanka's pursuit got off to a disastrous start as Kamindu Mendis and captain Kusal Mendis departed early, leaving the visitors struggling at 24-2.

However, Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake launched a counterattack, putting together a crucial 166-run partnership for the third wicket to revive Sri Lanka's hopes.

Fernando struck 97 before falling three runs short of his century, but Rathnayake continued the assault on England's bowling attack.

The right-handed batter completed his century off 87 deliveries and eventually scored 130 off 106 balls, providing the foundation for Sri Lanka's historic victory.

Former captain Dasun Shanaka then took charge, smashing a blistering 97 off just 50 deliveries, including eight sixes, to keep the required run rate under control.

With both Rathnayake and Shanaka dismissed, the responsibility fell on Liyanage, who produced a match-winning unbeaten 61 off 27deliveries.

The contest took another dramatic turn in the final over, with Sri Lanka requiring eight runs for victory.

England fast bowler Josh Tongue dismissed Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga off consecutive deliveries to bring his side back into contention.

However, with six needed off the final two balls, Liyanage launched Tongue over long off for a six, completing the extraordinary chase with one delivery remaining.

Brook's historic double century goes in vain

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, a decision that appeared to backfire as England's batters dominated the proceedings.

Tom Banton provided an aggressive start with 50, while Ben Duckett contributed 29 before Brook and Joe Root took control of the innings.

The pair added 159 runs for the third wicket, with Root scoring 69 off 66 balls and becoming the first England batter to surpass 8,000 ODI runs.

Brook produced a sensational display of stroke-making, reaching his century in 75 balls before accelerating dramatically.

The England captain raced from 100 to 200 in just 39 deliveries, completing his double century off 114 balls to register the fastest ODI double hundred in history.

He surpassed the previous record of 117 deliveries set by India's Shubman Gill against the West Indies earlier this month.

Brook also became the first England batter to score an ODI double century, surpassing Ben Stokes' previous national record of 182 not out against New Zealand in 2023.

Will Jacks added an unbeaten 66 off just 30 deliveries as England finished on 429-4, their fourth-highest ODI total and the highest ODI innings total recorded on Pakistani soil.

For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage was the standout bowler, returning figures of 2-56 from his 10 overs despite the onslaught.

Brook was dismissed off the final delivery of England's innings, but his record-breaking performance ultimately proved insufficient to secure victory.

England suffer second consecutive defeat

The victory handed Sri Lanka their first win of the tri-series, while England suffered their second successive defeat after losing their opening match against hosts Pakistan.

Brook's side now faces an uphill battle to qualify for the tournament final in Lahore, having lost both of its opening fixtures.

The match also entered the record books for producing one of the most remarkable batting contests in ODI history, with Brook becoming the first player to score a double century in the format and still finish on the losing side.

For Sri Lanka, the result marked their highest successful ODI run chase and one of the most memorable victories in the country's cricketing history.