Sri Lanka Script History: Chase Down 430 to Stun England
Sri Lanka completes the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history to defeat England, despite Harry Brook's record double century.
In a match that defied logic and rewrote the record books, Sri Lanka achieved a monumental victory over England in the third match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026. Despite being set a mountain of a target, Sri Lanka successfully chased down 430 runs in Rawalpindi, marking the second-highest successful run chase in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket.
Harry Brook's Historic onslaught
England's innings was defined by a masterclass in batting from Harry Brook, who etched his name into the history books. Brook became the first English batter to score a double century in men's ODI cricket, smashing a breathtaking 202 runs off just 116 deliveries. Not only was it a milestone for England, but it also stood as the fastest double century ever recorded in ODI history.
Brook's demolition of the Sri Lankan bowling attack included 21 boundaries and 10 towering sixes. He was well-supported by Joe Root, who contributed a steady 69 runs from 66 balls. The momentum shifted into overdrive toward the end when Will Jacks exploded for an unbeaten 66 off a mere 30 balls, propelling England to a colossal total of 429/4.
A Shaky Start and a Gritty Recovery
Facing a target of 430, Sri Lanka's chase began on a precarious note, losing two quick wickets that threatened to end the contest early. However, the team refused to buckle. Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake stepped up to build a vital partnership that breathed life back into the pursuit.
Rathnayake was the anchor of the recovery, playing a magnificent knock of 130 runs off 106 balls. Fernando played a similarly aggressive role, falling agonizingly short of a century with a brilliant 97 off 83 deliveries.
The Explosive Finale
With the target still daunting, Dasun Shanaka unleashed a counterattack that left the England bowlers shell-shocked. Shanaka hammered 97 runs in just 50 balls, including eight massive sixes. While he, too, missed a century by just three runs, his blistering pace shifted the momentum entirely in Sri Lanka's favor.
The finishing touches were provided by Janith Liyanage, who remained unbeaten with a crucial half-century, ensuring that Sri Lanka crossed the finish line to complete the extraordinary chase.
The Record Books
Sri Lanka's achievement now places them second on the all-time list of highest successful ODI chases. They sit just behind South Africa, who hold the world record after chasing down 435 against Australia in Johannesburg back in 2006, where they finished at 438/9 to win by one wicket.