Sri Lanka script ODI history with second-highest successful chase

Sri Lanka completed the second-highest successful run chase in men's One-Day International (ODI) history on Thursday, October 22, defeating England by two wickets after chasing down a target of 430 runs in Rawalpindi.

Sri Lanka reached 430-8 in 49.5 overs, with Janith Liyanage hitting a six off the penultimate delivery to seal a remarkable victory with one ball remaining. The chase surpassed Sri Lanka's previous highest successful ODI pursuit and ranks behind only South Africa's 438-run chase against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006.

The victory came after England captain Harry Brook produced a record-breaking double century, scoring 202 off 116 balls to help his team post 429-4 in 50 overs. However, Sri Lanka's batting depth and aggressive approach ultimately overshadowed Brook's historic innings.

Pavan Rathnayake led Sri Lanka's recovery with 130 off 106 deliveries, while Avishka Fernando scored 97 and Dasun Shanaka added 97 off just 50 balls. Liyanage finished unbeaten on 61 off 27 deliveries to guide his side over the line.

Sri Lanka recover after losing two early wickets

Sri Lanka's chase got off to a difficult start when Kamindu Mendis was dismissed for 18 and captain Kusal Mendis was run out without scoring, leaving the team at 24-2.

Avishka Fernando and Rathnayake then revived the innings with a 166-run partnership for the third wicket, keeping Sri Lanka within reach of the demanding target.

Fernando struck 97 off 83 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes, before being caught and bowled by Jamie Overton. Rathnayake continued to attack, reaching his century in 87 balls and maintaining the pressure on England's bowlers.

After Fernando's dismissal, Rathnayake joined Shanaka in another crucial partnership, with the pair adding 133 runs for the fourth wicket in just 79 deliveries.

Rathnayake eventually fell for 130, having struck 15 fours and three sixes. Shanaka continued the assault, smashing eight sixes and six fours in his 50-ball 97 before falling just three runs short of a century.

Their contributions brought Sri Lanka within striking distance, but England briefly threatened to turn the contest around in the closing overs.

Liyanage seals victory in dramatic final over

With the chase entering its final stages, Liyanage took responsibility for finishing the job, scoring an unbeaten 61 from 27 balls, including seven fours and three sixes.

Sri Lanka needed eight runs from the final over, bowled by Josh Tongue. Tongue dismissed Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga on consecutive deliveries, leaving England with renewed hope of defending their total.

However, Liyanage held his nerve. With six runs required from the final two balls, he launched the penultimate delivery over the long-off boundary for six, completing the chase and triggering celebrations among the Sri Lankan players.

Tongue finished with three wickets for 79 runs, while Sam Curran took two wickets but conceded 103 runs in nine overs.

Brook's record double century proves insufficient

Earlier, England had posted a formidable 429-4 after Brook produced one of the greatest individual innings in men's ODI cricket.

Brook scored 202 off 116 balls, becoming the first English batter to record a double century in men's ODIs. He reached the milestone in 114 balls, making it the fastest double century in the format, surpassing the previous record of 117 balls.

His innings included 21 fours and 10 sixes, while Joe Root contributed 69 off 66 deliveries and Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66 from just 30 balls.

Brook's score also surpassed Ben Stokes' previous England ODI record of 182. The captain accelerated after building his innings steadily, combining with Root for a 159-run third-wicket stand before sharing a destructive 185-run partnership with Jacks from only 77 deliveries.

Dunith Wellalage was Sri Lanka's most effective bowler, taking two wickets for 56 runs in his 10 overs.

Despite England's imposing total and Brook's historic performance, their bowling attack was unable to contain Sri Lanka's response, leaving the side with a second consecutive defeat in the ongoing ODI tri-series in Pakistan.

The result gives Sri Lanka a landmark victory and adds another extraordinary chapter to ODI cricket's history of high-scoring run chases.