RAWALPINDI — In one of the most thrilling One Day Internationals ever played, Sri Lanka mounted a monumental comeback to defeat England by two wickets in the 3rd match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Chasing England’s monstrous total of 429 for 4, Sri Lanka reached 430 for 8 with just one ball to spare, making it the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history, trailing only South Africa’s legendary 438 against Australia in 2006.
Match Summary Table
| Metric | England | Sri Lanka |
| Total Score | 429/4 (50.0 overs) | 430/8 (49.5 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Harry Brook — 200 (114) | Pavan Rathnayake — 130 (106) |
| Key Blitz | Will Jacks — 112* (49) | Dasun Shanaka — 97 (50) |
| Finisher | — | Janith Liyanage — 61* (27) |
| Best Bowler | Josh Tongue — 3/79 (8.5) | Eshan Malinga — 2/78 (10.0) |
| Result | Lost by 2 wickets | Won by 2 wickets |
First Innings: Brook Double-Century & Jacks Carnage Fire England to 429
After Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl, England’s openers Tom Banton (50 off 51) and Ben Duckett (74 off 80) established a firm foundation with an 85-run stand. Following Duckett’s departure, Joe Root (64) partnered with Harry Brook to construct a dominant 159-run partnership for the third wicket.
The real fireworks erupted when Will Jacks joined Harry Brook at the crease.
- Harry Brook anchored the innings before launching into overdrive, reaching a spectacular 200 off 114 balls, hitting 21 boundaries and 10 towering sixes.
- Will Jacks produced an explosive display, smashing an unbeaten 112 off 49 balls.
Together, Brook and Jacks added a sensational 229-run partnership for the fourth wicket, powering England past the 400-mark to post 429 for 4 in their 50 overs.
Second Innings: Sri Lanka’s Record Chase
1. The Setup: Avishka & Rathnayake Rebuild
Sri Lanka’s pursuit suffered early setbacks with the quick dismissals of Kamindu Mendis (18) and skipper Kusal Mendis (0). However, Avishka Fernando (97 off 83) and Pavan Rathnayake (130 off 106) rebuilt the innings with an electric 166-run partnership for the third wicket. Rathnayake’s classy century kept Sri Lanka’s required run rate well within striking distance.
2. The Middle-Order Counter-Attack: Shanaka’s Blitz
Following Fernando’s departure at 190/3, former captain Dasun Shanaka provided raw impetus. Shanaka ripped through England’s bowling attack with a whirlwind 97 off 50 balls featuring 8 sixes. His counter-attack added 133 runs alongside Rathnayake, propelling Sri Lanka beyond 350 and putting intense pressure on the English attack.
3. The Climax: Liyanage’s Heroics
Despite late wickets by Josh Tongue (3/79)—including two wickets in two balls in the final over—Janith Liyanage held his composure. Needing 7 runs off the final 4 deliveries, Liyanage (61* off 27) launched Josh Tongue over long-off for a grand-slam six on the 49.5th ball, securing an extraordinary victory for Sri Lanka with 1 ball remaining.
High-Authority Sources & Official Coverage
For verified statistics, player ratings, and official match documentation, refer to the following authoritative international cricket bodies:
- Read official match scorecards and tour context via the International Cricket Council (ICC).
- Explore complete ball-by-ball analysis and stats via the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
- Check historical ODI series records on ESPNcricinfo.
Key Tactical Takeaways
- Flat Track at Rawalpindi: High altitude and a lightning-fast outfield made Rawalpindi a paradise for batters, yielding 859 runs across both innings.
- Death-Bowling Under Pressure: Sam Curran conceded 103 runs in his 9 overs, demonstrating England’s struggle to adjust line and length against Sri Lanka’s lower-order hitters.
- Tri-Series Standings: The win gives Sri Lanka two crucial points in the tri-series standings alongside host nation Pakistan.
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