Colombo, Oct 22 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka pulled off a remarkable run chase to beat England by two wickets after successfully chasing a target of 430 runs in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at Rawalpindi today.
Sri Lanka reached 430 with one ball to spare in a thrilling contest that saw several records broken, completing one of the most extraordinary chases in ODI cricket.
England captain Harry Brook led his side’s batting effort with a stunning 202 off 115 balls, becoming the first English batter to score a double-century in men’s ODI cricket. His innings also set a record for the fastest double-century in the format’s history.
Joe Root contributed 69, while Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66 as England posted an imposing 429 for four in their 50 overs.
Sri Lanka responded with an aggressive batting display, led by Pavan Rathnayake, who struck a magnificent 130, and opener Avishka Fernando, who scored 97. Following their departures, Dasun Shanaka played a blistering, game-changing knock of 97 runs off just 50 balls, hitting multiple massive sixes to put Sri Lanka within striking distance.
Rathnayake’s innings provided the momentum Sri Lanka needed to stay in contention, while Fernando’s contribution kept the required run rate within reach.
With the match going down to the final over, Janith Liyanage held his nerve and finished unbeaten on 61. He struck a crucial six in the closing stages to bring Sri Lanka within reach of victory before the team completed the chase with one ball remaining.
Sri Lanka’s successful pursuit was reported to be the second-highest run-chase in men’s ODI history, behind South Africa’s famous chase of Australia’s 435-run target in Johannesburg in 2006, when South Africa scored 438 for nine. The Rawalpindi victory was also reported as the first successful ODI chase of a target exceeding 400 runs against England.