Sri Lanka produced a remarkable batting performance to defeat England by two wickets after chasing down a target of 430 runs in a high-scoring one-day international in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on October 22, 2026. The victory marked the second-highest successful run chase in men’s ODI cricket history, overshadowing a historic double century from England captain Harry Brook.
England posted an imposing 429 for four in their 50 overs, powered by Brook’s extraordinary 202-run innings. However, Sri Lanka responded with a determined chase, reaching 430 for eight with one ball remaining to secure one of the most memorable victories in their ODI history.
Harry Brook Creates History With Double Century
Brook delivered a record-breaking performance, scoring 202 runs from 116 balls. His innings included 21 fours and 10 sixes, making him the first England batter to score a double century in men’s ODI cricket.
The England captain also reached the 200-run mark in just 114 balls, setting a new record for the fastest double century in men’s ODIs. He surpassed the previous benchmark of 117 balls, achieved by India’s Shubman Gill.
Brook received valuable support from Joe Root, who scored 69 off 66 deliveries, and Will Jacks, who remained unbeaten on 66 from 30 balls. Tom Banton also contributed a half-century, helping England build a formidable total.
England accelerated dramatically towards the end of their innings, adding 156 runs in the final 10 overs. At 429 for four, they appeared to have established a winning position.
However, Sri Lanka’s response would turn the contest into an unforgettable encounter.
Sri Lanka Recover After Losing Two Early Wickets
Chasing 430, Sri Lanka endured a difficult beginning, losing two wickets for just 24 runs. The early setbacks put immediate pressure on the batting lineup, but Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake steadied the innings with an outstanding partnership.
The pair added 166 runs for the third wicket, bringing Sri Lanka back into contention. Fernando scored 97 from 83 balls, narrowly missing out on a century, while Rathnayake continued to attack England’s bowling.
Rathnayake eventually scored 130 from 106 deliveries, striking 15 fours and three sixes. His innings provided the foundation for Sri Lanka’s pursuit of the enormous target.
Dasun Shanaka then maintained the momentum with an explosive 97 off just 50 balls. His aggressive batting, which included eight sixes, kept the required run rate within reach and increased the pressure on England’s bowlers.
The contributions from Rathnayake, Fernando and Shanaka transformed what initially looked like an unlikely chase into a realistic possibility.
Janith Liyanage Seals a Dramatic Victory
The match reached its most tense moment in the final over, with Sri Lanka needing eight runs to win. England’s Josh Tongue briefly appeared to have turned the contest around after dismissing Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga on consecutive deliveries.
With the pressure mounting, Janith Liyanage remained composed. He struck an unbeaten 61 from just 27 balls, including the decisive six off the penultimate delivery.
That shot took Sri Lanka to 430 for eight, completing the chase with one ball remaining. Liyanage’s finishing contribution proved crucial in a match where England had looked firmly in control after Brook’s extraordinary innings.
Second-Highest Successful Chase in ODI History
Sri Lanka’s successful pursuit of 430 became the second-highest run chase in men’s ODI cricket. South Africa continue to hold the record after chasing 435 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006, finishing on 438 for nine.
The Rawalpindi match also highlighted the importance of batting depth and partnerships in modern ODI cricket. Despite conceding 429 runs, Sri Lanka maintained their attacking approach and found contributions throughout their lineup.
For England, Brook’s personal milestone was accompanied by disappointment as the team could not defend its massive total. For Sri Lanka, the victory demonstrated their ability to recover from early setbacks and compete under intense pressure.
What the Result Means for Both Teams
The result gives Sri Lanka a significant boost in the ongoing ODI tri-series in Pakistan, while England face renewed questions about their bowling performance after conceding such a large total.
The match will be remembered both for Brook’s record-setting double century and for Sri Lanka’s extraordinary response. Ultimately, the team that handled the final moments better secured a historic victory, proving that even an enormous ODI total is not always beyond reach.
