Sri Lanka Pulls Off Second-Highest ODI Run Chase in History to Stun England
Harry Brook's record-breaking double century was in vain as Sri Lanka chased down 430 with one ball to spare in a dramatic encounter.
England suffered a historic defeat as Sri Lanka completed the second-highest run chase in One Day International history, snatching a two-wicket victory with just one ball remaining. The dramatic chase in Rawalpindi saw Sri Lanka overhaul England's imposing total of 429 for four, a score bolstered by Harry Brook's world-record double century.
Sri Lanka's remarkable comeback was spearheaded by significant contributions from Pavan Rathnakaye, who scored 130, and impressive innings of 97 each from Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka. The match reached its climax when Janath Liyanage hit Josh Tongue over long-off for six with the second-to-last ball of the innings to seal the improbable win.
This chase is now second only to South Africa's successful pursuit of Australia's 434 in Johannesburg over 20 years ago. Sri Lanka appeared destined for defeat early in their innings, finding themselves at 24 for two with captain Kusal Mendis run out without facing a ball. However, Fernando and Rathnayake forged a crucial 166-run partnership, followed by a 133-run stand between Rathnayake and Shanaka, as England's bowling attack struggled to contain the resurgence.
Sam Curran's spell proved particularly costly, conceding 103 runs in his nine overs. Despite England's efforts to regain control, including Josh Tongue taking two wickets in successive deliveries in the final over to be on a hat-trick, Liyanage secured the victory.
Earlier in the day, Harry Brook had set a new world record for the fastest ODI double century, reaching the milestone in just 114 balls. His exceptional innings of 202, alongside the team's total of 429, seemed sufficient to secure victory, but it ultimately was not enough to withstand Sri Lanka's historic chase.
