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Sri Lanka Complete Second-Highest ODI Chase to Beat England
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Sri Lanka Complete Second-Highest ODI Chase to Beat England

By Editorial Team•Oct 22, 2026 · 7:21 PM•3 min read
AI-generated representative image: A Sri Lankan batsman plays an aggressive shot during a high-scoring ODI at a floodlit cricket stadium in Rawalpindi.
Editorial Team
Editorial Team
Janith Liyanage seals stunning 430-8 win in Rawalpindi despite Harry Brook's record double century

Sri Lanka pulled off the second-highest successful run chase in one-day international history on Thursday, reaching 430-8 to defeat England in Rawalpindi and overshadow Harry Brook's record-breaking double century.

Janith Liyanage smashed a six off the penultimate ball to seal the victory, keeping his composure after Sri Lanka lost two wickets in the final over while needing eight runs to win.

The extraordinary result underlined the dominance of batters in Rawalpindi, where England's mammoth total of 429-4 was ultimately not enough to secure victory. The match carried added significance as part of a tri-series in Pakistan, with both teams competing alongside the host nation ahead of the next fixture in Lahore.

Match Highlights and Record-Breaking Performances

England captain Harry Brook hit the fastest-ever ODI double hundred, making 202 off 116 balls to propel his side to 429-4 after being put in to bat. He reached 200 in 114 balls, surpassing the previous fastest double century by India's Shubman Gill, who took 117 balls against the West Indies last month.

Brook's innings featured 10 sixes and 21 fours, and he became the first England player to score an ODI double century. He was dismissed off the final delivery, caught off paceman Liyanage, but not before helping England add 156 runs in the last 10 overs.

For Sri Lanka, Pavan Rathnayake top-scored with 130, while Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka both made 97. Liyanage finished unbeaten on 61 from just 27 balls to guide the chase home.

Records and Historical Context

South Africa hold the record for the highest successful ODI chase, having reached a target of 435 against Australia at Johannesburg in 2006. Sri Lanka's effort on Thursday now stands as the second-highest chase in the format's history.

The match also produced England's first 400-plus ODI total in Pakistan, easily surpassing the previous highest ODI total at a Pakistan venue of 375-3. Joe Root added another milestone, scoring a 66-ball 69 to become the first England batter to complete 8,000 ODI runs, reaching the mark in his 197th one-day international.

Innings Breakdown and Key Partnerships

Sri Lanka's chase appeared in early trouble at 24-2 before Rathnayake and Avishka Fernando transformed the innings with a 166-run stand for the third wicket. Rathnayake then combined with Shanaka to add a rapid 133 runs off just 79 balls, keeping Sri Lanka firmly in contention.

Rathnayake struck 15 fours and three sixes, while Shanaka's blazing knock included eight sixes and six fours. For England, opener Tom Banton set the tone with a 51-ball 50, and Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66 with three sixes and eight fours.

What Lies Ahead in the Tri-Series

Pakistan, who have beaten both Sri Lanka and England in their two matches, will face England in Lahore on Sunday in the next game of the tri-series. Sri Lanka's victory keeps the competition finely poised heading into the final stages.

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