Summary Pavan Rathnayake hits 130 as Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka score 97 each
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Sri Lanka pulled off a sensational two-wicket victory over England after successfully chasing a target of 430 runs in the third match of the Pakistan ODI tri-nation series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
England captain Harry Brook had earlier smashed a record-breaking double century to power his side to 429 for four in 50 overs, but Sri Lanka produced an extraordinary batting display to complete the chase with one ball remaining.
The match featured 859 runs across the two innings, with Sri Lanka finishing on 430 for eight in 49.5 overs.
Brook makes history
Brook delivered a remarkable innings of 202 off 116 balls, including 21 fours and 10 sixes, to become the first England batter to score a double century in men's One Day Internationals (ODIs).
The England captain reached the 200-run mark in 114 balls, breaking the previous record of 117 deliveries set by India's Shubman Gill against the West Indies. Brook also surpassed Ben Stokes' previous England ODI record of 182 runs.
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Joe Root supported Brook with 69 off 66 balls, while Tom Banton scored 50. Will Jacks provided a blistering finish, smashing an unbeaten 66 off just 30 deliveries as England amassed 429 for four.
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Brook was dismissed on the final ball of the innings, caught by Sahan Arachchige off Janith Liyanage. His historic knock had put England in a commanding position, leaving Sri Lanka needing 430 to win.
Rathnayake leads chase
Sri Lanka's pursuit began with early setbacks as Kamindu Mendis and captain Kusal Mendis departed cheaply, leaving the side at 24 for two. However, Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake rebuilt the innings with a crucial partnership that brought the hosts back into contention.
Fernando scored 97 off 83 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes, while Rathnayake continued to attack England's bowlers at the other end. Rathnayake eventually reached 130 off 106 deliveries, striking 15 fours and three sixes to anchor the chase.
Their partnership helped Sri Lanka cross 200 in 28.1 overs and kept the required scoring rate within reach. Fernando narrowly missed his century before falling, but Rathnayake continued to provide momentum as the contest developed into a high-scoring thriller.
Shanaka turns up heat
Dasun Shanaka accelerated Sri Lanka's pursuit with a destructive innings of 97 off just 50 balls. His knock included six fours and eight sixes, putting England's bowlers under intense pressure during the middle and latter stages of the chase.
Shanaka and Rathnayake helped Sri Lanka surge towards the target, with their aggressive approach offsetting the pressure created by England's occasional wickets. Rathnayake departed for 130 at 323 for four, while Shanaka's dismissal at 363 for five left the contest finely balanced.
Janith Liyanage then produced another crucial contribution, scoring a rapid 50 off 21 balls. His late acceleration helped Sri Lanka cross the 400-run mark and kept the required rate manageable despite England taking wickets in the closing overs.
Dramatic final overs
England continued to fight back as Sri Lanka lost wickets during the final ten overs, making the finish increasingly tense. However, the visitors could not prevent the home side from reaching the target.
Sri Lanka finished on 430 for eight in 49.5 overs to secure a two-wicket win, completing one of the most remarkable successful chases in ODI cricket. Rathnayake's century, Fernando's near-century and Shanaka's explosive 97 proved decisive in overcoming Brook's historic innings.
The result also gave Sri Lanka a significant boost in the Pakistan ODI tri-nation series after both England and Sri Lanka had lost their opening matches against Pakistan.
