Rawalpindi: In an unprecedented display of batting prowess, Sri Lanka orchestrated a historic run chase to defeat England in the third match of the ongoing tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Surmounting a colossal target of 430 runs with just one delivery to spare, the island nation pulled off the second-highest successful run chase in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket.
The dramatic climax to this high-scoring thriller unfolded in the final over, with Sri Lanka requiring eight runs to clinch a seemingly impossible victory. Tension mounted as the team managed only a single on the first ball and subsequently lost two wickets off consecutive deliveries. However, an unfazed Janith Liyanage stepped up under extreme pressure, smashing a massive six off Josh Tongue on the fifth ball to seal an unbelievable two-wicket win for his side. The right-handed Liyanage remained unbeaten on a breathtaking 61 off just 27 balls, a knock laced with seven boundaries and three sixes.
Sri Lanka’s monumental run chase had begun on a disastrous note, losing opener Kamindu Mendis for 18 and captain Kusal Mendis without facing a single delivery via a run-out. However, the middle order stood tall. Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake launched a remarkable counter-attack, stitching together a 166-run partnership off 137 balls for the second wicket.
While Fernando fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved century at 97, Rathnayake dominated the English bowlers to strike a phenomenal 130. Dasun Shanaka further accelerated the innings with a blistering 73 off 37 deliveries, combining with Rathnayake for a rapid 133-run stand in just 79 balls.
Liyanage’s match-winning heroics ultimately overshadowed an extraordinary individual performance by England’s Harry Brook. Earlier in the match, Brook bludgeoned the fastest double century in ODI history, scoring an astonishing 202 runs off just 116 balls to propel England to a commanding total of 429. Despite his monumental effort, England’s bowling attack failed to contain the relentless onslaught from the Sri Lankan batters.
With this incredible victory, Sri Lanka eclipsed India’s recent milestone chase of 406 runs against the West Indies. The global record for the highest successful ODI run chase, however, still remains with South Africa, who famously tracked down 435 runs against Australia in 2006.