Sri Lanka stun England with record chase despite Brook double hundred
Sri Lanka pulled off the second-highest successful ODI chase in history, overhauling 430 to beat England in Rawalpindi despite Harry Brook's record-breaking 202.
Harry Brook pulverized his way to the fastest double hundred in ODI history, yet astonishingly ended up on the losing side as Sri Lanka orchestrated a sensational pursuit in Rawalpindi. Chasing a daunting target of 430, the Sri Lankans completed the second-highest successful run chase in the history of the format.
Recovery began in earnest after the batting side slipped to 24 for two, with Pavan Rathnayake, Avishka Fernando, and Dasun Shanaka mounting a fierce counter-offensive. Rathnayake top-scored with 130 runs, Fernando contributed a fluent 97, and Shanaka launched a brutal assault featuring eight sixes to finish with 97 of his own.
Late drama nearly derailed the visitors when Josh Tongue rattled the stumps of Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga with consecutive deliveries in the final over. However, Janith Liyanage held his nerve to seal the contest by walloping a six down the ground, remaining unbeaten on 61 with a ball to spare.
Brook's magnificent innings of 202 came off just 114 balls, featuring deft ramps, scoops, and cuts all around the wicket with remarkable consistency. The England captain surpassed Shubman Gill's recent 117-ball effort against the West Indies, though he admitted the personal milestone held no value in defeat.
Reflecting on the outcome, Brook noted that being on the losing side rendered his achievement meaningless. England will now need to reassess their lineup following back-to-back defeats in the tri-series.
Earlier in the match, Joe Root anchored the innings alongside Brook during a massive partnership, bringing up his milestone of 8,000 ODI runs before departing for 69. Will Jacks also provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 66 off 30 deliveries to lift the total to 430.
Despite the mammoth target, Sri Lanka's middle-order partnership of 166 runs between Rathnayake and Fernando kept the required rate within reach. Shanaka subsequently accelerated the scoring against the bowling attack, eventually steering his team to the brink of a famous victory.
Liyanage ultimately applied the finishing touches, leaving England winless in the series and sealing an unforgettable contest in One-Day International cricket.