England Suffers Historic ODI Defeat as Sri Lanka Achieves Second-Highest Run Chase

England experienced one of the most significant defeats in their one-day international history when Sri Lanka successfully chased down a target of 430 runs in Rawalpindi. The Sri Lankans secured a two-wicket victory with just one ball remaining, a feat made possible by strong performances from Pavan Rathnakaye, who scored 130, and contributions of 97 each from Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka. The decisive moment came when Janath Liyanage hit Josh Tongue over long-off for six with the penultimate ball of the match.

This successful chase ranks as the second-highest in ODI history. Only South Africa has achieved a higher run chase, overcoming Australia's 434 with one wicket in hand in Johannesburg over two decades ago. At one stage, Sri Lanka appeared doomed, falling to 24 for two with captain Kusal Mendis controversially run out without facing a ball.

However, Fernando and Rathnayake forged a crucial partnership of 166 runs, followed by a 133-run stand between Shanaka and Rathnayake, as England's bowling attack struggled. Sam Curran's spell proved particularly costly, conceding 103 runs in his nine overs.

Despite the pressure, England managed to take wickets, with Josh Tongue even being on the verge of a hat-trick in the final over after dismissing Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga on consecutive deliveries. Yet, Liyanage's final-ball heroics sealed the dramatic victory for Sri Lanka.

Earlier in the day, England had posted a formidable total of 429 for four, largely due to Harry Brook's exceptional innings of 202. Brook's century, achieved off just 114 balls, marked the fastest double hundred in ODI history. Despite Brook's record-breaking performance and England's imposing score, it ultimately proved insufficient to secure the win.