Sri Lanka complete second-highest chase in ODI history to upstage record-breaking Brook in tri-series

Sri Lanka secured their first points in the Pakistan tri-series with a remarkable two-wicket victory over England in the third match at Rawalpindi, achieving the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history. They overhauled England's imposing total of 429 for 4, reaching 430 in 49.5 overs. Janith Liyanage sealed the dramatic win off the final ball, launching Josh Tongue over long-off for six with one delivery to spare. England's formidable total was anchored by a Harry Brook masterclass, with the captain scoring 202 off just 116 balls, including 21 fours and 10 sixes, establishing it as the highest individual score by an England batter in ODI cricket. Will Jacks further accelerated England's scoring at the death, finishing unbeaten on 66 off 30 balls, propelling his team past the 400-run mark.

Sri Lanka's chase commenced at a fierce tempo, reaching 50 runs in 9.1 overs and consistently maintaining a manageable required rate throughout. Pavan Rathnayake provided the backbone of the innings, contributing 130 off 106 balls, while Dasun Shanaka's aggressive 97 off 50 balls kept the scoring momentum alive. By the end of the 33rd over, Sri Lanka had reached 239 for 3, still needing 191 runs from 102 deliveries to secure the win, demonstrating their unwavering intent to chase the monumental target.

As the chase progressed, Sri Lanka advanced to 402 for 5, with 28 runs still required from the final 20 balls. England then found a way back into the contest when Sahan Arachchige was caught on the rope attempting to clear the boundary off a waist-high Sam Curran full toss, leaving 24 needed from 18 deliveries. Dunith Wellalage followed shortly after, falling to Tongue, which left seven runs still needed and England sensing a dramatic turnaround. However, Liyanage refused to buckle under pressure, remaining at the crease to finish unbeaten on 61 and striking the decisive six to complete the chase.

This victory places Sri Lanka's chase of 430 as the second-highest in ODI history, trailing only South Africa's monumental 438 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006. Other top chases include India's 406 against West Indies in Guwahati in 2026, the Netherlands' 375 against West Indies in Harare in 2023, and South Africa's 372 against Australia in Durban in 2016. For Sri Lanka, this result is a significant moment in the tri-series, firmly placing them in contention, while England, despite Brook's historic knock, must now regroup to secure points from their upcoming fixtures.

What to watch: Sri Lanka's momentum in the tri-series.

Editor's note: The draft is highly accurate and covers almost all details from the source, including the specific scores and the history of ODI chases.