Sri Lanka Script Historic ODI Chase to Beat England Despite Harry Brook’s Double Century
Sri Lanka produced a remarkable batting performance to defeat England by two wickets after chasing a massive target of 430 runs in the third match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 22, 2026. The victory marked Sri Lanka’s highest successful run chase in ODI cricket and the second-highest successful chase in men’s ODI history.
England captain Harry Brook delivered a record-breaking innings of 202 runs off 116 balls, but his outstanding performance was overshadowed by Sri Lanka’s incredible response. Pavan Rathnayake led the chase with 130 runs, while Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka narrowly missed centuries.
Harry Brook Smashes Record-Breaking Double Century
Batting first, England posted a formidable total of 429/4 in 50 overs, powered by Brook’s sensational double century.
The England captain scored 202 runs from 116 deliveries, including 21 fours and 10 sixes. He became the first England batter to score a double century in men’s ODI cricket and reached the milestone in just 114 balls, setting a new record for the fastest ODI double century.
Joe Root contributed 69 runs from 66 balls, while Will Jacks provided a late-innings boost with an unbeaten 66 off just 30 deliveries.
England appeared to have put the match beyond Sri Lanka’s reach with their enormous total, but the chase that followed became one of the most memorable contests in ODI history.
Pavan Rathnayake Leads Sri Lanka’s Incredible Chase
Sri Lanka’s chase began poorly as they slipped to 24/2 early in their innings. However, Pavan Rathnayake and Avishka Fernando rebuilt the innings with an important partnership.
Rathnayake scored a magnificent 130 off 106 balls, striking 15 fours and three sixes. Fernando supported him with 97 from 83 deliveries, including 11 fours and two sixes.
Their partnership brought Sri Lanka back into contention and gave the middle order a platform to continue the pursuit.
After Fernando’s dismissal, Rathnayake joined forces with Dasun Shanaka, who added further momentum with an explosive 97 off just 50 balls. Shanaka’s aggressive stroke play kept the required run rate within reach as the match moved into its closing overs.
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Janith Liyanage Finishes the Match in Dramatic Style
With the contest heading towards a tense finish, Janith Liyanage delivered a match-winning performance under pressure.
Liyanage remained unbeaten on 61 from just 27 balls, striking the boundaries needed to keep Sri Lanka ahead of the required rate. The final over brought another twist when England fast bowler Josh Tongue took two wickets in consecutive deliveries.
Sri Lanka needed six runs from the final two balls when Liyanage struck a six over long-off to seal the victory at 430/8 in 49.5 overs.
The two-wicket win sparked celebrations among the Sri Lankan players and supporters, completing an extraordinary chase against an England side that had scored nearly 430 runs.
Sri Lanka vs England: Match Scorecard
| Team | Score |
| England | 429/4 (50 overs) |
| Sri Lanka | 430/8 (49.5 overs) |
| Result | Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets |
Top performers
- Harry Brook: 202 off 116 balls
- Joe Root: 69 off 66 balls
- Will Jacks: 66* off 30 balls
- Pavan Rathnayake: 130 off 106 balls
- Avishka Fernando: 97 off 83 balls
- Dasun Shanaka: 97 off 50 balls
- Janith Liyanage: 61* off 27 balls
- Josh Tongue: 3 wickets for England
Historic Records Set During the Match
The extraordinary contest produced several major ODI milestones.
1. Sri Lanka’s Highest Successful ODI Chase
Sri Lanka successfully chased 430 runs, recording the highest successful run chase in their ODI history. It became the second-highest successful chase in men’s ODI cricket, behind South Africa’s pursuit of 435 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006.
2. Harry Brook’s First ODI Double Century
Brook became the first England batter to score a double century in men’s ODI cricket. His 202 off 116 balls also established a new record for the fastest double century in the format.
3. An 859-Run ODI Thriller
The two teams combined for 859 runs, making the match the second-highest aggregate in ODI history. Only the famous South Africa-Australia match in Johannesburg in 2006, which produced 872 runs, has recorded a higher combined total.
4. A Double Century in a Losing Cause
Despite scoring 202 runs, Brook finished on the losing side. His innings became the highest individual score in a losing cause in men’s ODI cricket.
What This Result Means for England
England’s inability to defend 429 runs will raise questions about their bowling performance and execution under pressure. Sam Curran conceded 103 runs in nine overs, while Sri Lanka maintained their scoring momentum through the middle and final stages of the chase.
The defeat also increases the pressure on England in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series as they look to recover in their remaining matches and stay in contention for the final.
For Sri Lanka, the victory will provide considerable confidence. Their batters demonstrated composure, attacking intent and the ability to chase a demanding target against a strong opposition.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s two-wicket victory over England will be remembered as one of the great ODI run chases. Harry Brook’s record-breaking 202 could not prevent defeat as Pavan Rathnayake’s century, strong contributions from Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka, and Janith Liyanage’s unbeaten finish carried Sri Lanka to 430/8.
The result established a new benchmark for Sri Lankan ODI chases and delivered a thrilling reminder of how unpredictable one-day cricket can be.