Fans go wild as Sri Lanka script historic chase to beat England in ODI Tri-Series thriller

Oct 23, 2026

Tags:
No tags for this post.

Spread the love

Sri Lanka pull off historic chase against England in ODI tri-series

Sri Lanka produced an unforgettable batting performance to pull off a sensational two-wicket victory over England in a high-scoring ODI Tri-Series encounter in Rawalpindi. Chasing a mammoth target of 430, Sri Lanka reached 430/8 with just one ball remaining, recording the highest successful run chase in their ODI history and the second-highest ever in the format.

The thrilling contest had everything, from Harry Brook‘s record-breaking double century to three outstanding contributions from Sri Lanka’s batting lineup and a dramatic finish in the final over. Despite England posting a formidable 429/4, they could not prevent Sri Lanka from completing a remarkable comeback.

Harry Brook’s record-breaking double century powers England to a massive total

England appeared firmly in control after captain Brook smashed an extraordinary 202 off just 116 deliveries. His innings featured an array of powerful strokes, helping him become the first English batter to register a double century in men’s ODI cricket. He also recorded the fastest double hundred in the format.

England made a solid start before Dunith Wellalage struck twice to remove Tom Banton, who scored 50, and Ben Duckett in quick succession. Brook initially took time to settle but shifted gears dramatically after striking two sixes off Kamindu Mendis.

Joe Root provided valuable support with 69 runs, adding 159 for the third wicket alongside Brook. Root also crossed the milestone of 8,000 ODI runs during his innings. After Root’s dismissal, Brook unleashed an aggressive assault, reaching his century in 81 balls before accelerating further. Will Jacks contributed an unbeaten 66 off just 30 deliveries, and England collected 185 runs in the final 13 overs. Brook eventually fell on the last ball of the innings, leaving England with a daunting total of 429/4.

Pavan Rathnayake, Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka lead Sri Lanka’s fightback

Sri Lanka’s pursuit began disastrously when Kamindu Mendis was bowled by Josh Tongue. Captain Kusal Mendis was subsequently run out without facing a delivery, leaving the team under immediate pressure. However, Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake revived the innings with a superb 166-run partnership for the third wicket. Fernando narrowly missed his century, departing for 97, while Rathnayake continued his outstanding knock, reaching his second ODI hundred before finishing with 130 off 106 balls.

Dasun Shanaka then joined Rathnayake and maintained the attacking approach, smashing 97 from just 50 deliveries. Their 133-run partnership brought Sri Lanka back into contention, with the visitors even moving ahead of England’s scoring rate at a comparable stage. Shanaka and Rathnayake both fell just three runs short of centuries, but their efforts laid the foundation for an extraordinary finish.

Also READ: Harry Brook breaks Shubman Gill’s record for fastest double century in ODI cricket

Janith Liyanage seals unbelievable victory in final over

Janith Liyanage emerged as Sri Lanka’s hero, remaining unbeaten on 61 off 27 balls. Walking in with 107 runs still required, he kept the chase alive through fearless hitting, including a 19-run assault against Sam Curran. The final over brought fresh drama. With eight runs needed, Tongue dismissed Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga on consecutive deliveries, leaving England within touching distance of a remarkable escape.

However, Liyanage had the final say. Needing six runs from the last two balls, he launched the penultimate delivery over long-off for a match-winning six, completing Sri Lanka’s historic chase and sparking celebrations. The defeat extended England’s losing run to two matches in the tri-series, while Sri Lanka celebrated a victory that will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary chases in ODI cricket.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: Explained – Why Pakistan players will wear pink jerseys in the ODI clash against England?

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.

Related Posts

MCW Sports Subscribe
FC Bayern Signs a Three-Year Deal with Asia’s iGaming brand, Mega Casino World
Football Icon Lukas Podolski Takes Asia Brand Ambassador Role with Mega Casino World
Mega Casino World announces Anrich Nortje as the newest Brand Ambassador
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Subscribe to our Newsletter