England captain Harry Brook’s record-breaking double century appeared to have put his side in a commanding position. However, a magnificent 130 from Pavan Rathnayake, supported by crucial contributions from Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka, helped Sri Lanka complete the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history.

The thrilling encounter took place on Thursday (22 October) during the third match of a tri-nation ODI series. Sri Lanka reached their target with just one delivery remaining, as Janith Liyanage struck Josh Tongue for six over long-off in the final over.

The victory also placed the match among the highest-scoring encounters in ODI history. The combined total of 859 runs was the second-highest recorded in a single ODI, falling just 13 runs short of the longstanding record established during South Africa’s famous victory over Australia in 2006.

Brook’s Extraordinary Double Century Sets Up England

England had appeared well placed to secure victory after posting a formidable 429 for four from their allotted 50 overs.

At the centre of their batting performance was captain Harry Brook, who transformed a cautious start into a devastating display of attacking cricket.

Brook initially struggled to accelerate, managing only 13 runs from his first 24 deliveries. Once established, however, he began dominating Sri Lanka’s bowling attack with increasingly aggressive stroke play.

The England captain reached his century from 75 balls before accelerating further to complete his double century from just 114 deliveries.

According to the match report, Brook became the first England batter to score an ODI double century and established a new record for the fastest double hundred in the format.

The previous benchmark was attributed to India’s Shubman Gill, who had reportedly reached 200 from 117 deliveries against the West Indies the previous month. Brook’s effort improved that mark by three deliveries.

His innings was particularly notable for the contrast between its restrained beginning and explosive conclusion. Having accumulated runs slowly in the opening stages, Brook accelerated dramatically to put England in a seemingly unassailable position.

England’s total of 429 for four was their fourth-highest score in ODI cricket and, according to the report, their highest away total against a Test-playing nation.

With such a substantial target to defend, England entered the second innings as overwhelming favourites.

Rathnayake Leads Sri Lanka’s Remarkable Recovery

Sri Lanka’s pursuit of 430 began disastrously, with two wickets falling for just 24 runs.

The early dismissals left the chasing side facing an enormous challenge. With the required scoring rate already demanding, another quick wicket could have placed the match firmly beyond their reach.

Instead, Pavan Rathnayake and Avishka Fernando produced an outstanding recovery, combining determined batting with an aggressive approach that gradually shifted the momentum.

Batting at number four, Rathnayake played a magnificent innings of 130 from 106 deliveries, striking 15 fours and three sixes.

His contribution was central to Sri Lanka’s comeback. Rather than allowing England’s bowlers to dictate proceedings, he maintained the scoring rate while building the foundations of a potentially historic chase.

Fernando provided valuable support, contributing 97 runs and narrowly missing out on a century.

His innings helped stabilise Sri Lanka’s position following the early setbacks, while ensuring that the required scoring rate did not become unmanageable.

The partnership and subsequent batting contributions brought Sri Lanka back into contention, transforming what initially appeared an improbable pursuit into a genuine opportunity.

Dasun Shanaka then delivered another vital performance, scoring 97 runs to keep Sri Lanka’s hopes alive.

Although both Fernando and Shanaka fell three runs short of individual centuries, their contributions proved instrumental in keeping the target within reach.

The three substantial innings gave Sri Lanka the platform required to challenge England’s enormous total, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Liyanage Holds His Nerve in Dramatic Finish

The closing stages produced another remarkable shift in momentum.

Janith Liyanage played a decisive unbeaten innings of 61 from just 27 deliveries, striking seven fours and three sixes. His aggressive batting kept Sri Lanka in contention even as England began taking wickets towards the end of the chase.

With Sri Lanka requiring eight runs from the final over, Josh Tongue briefly revived England’s hopes by dismissing Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga in successive deliveries.

However, Liyanage refused to surrender the initiative. He struck Tongue for six from the penultimate delivery, completing Sri Lanka’s historic victory with one ball remaining.

Rathnayake received the Player of the Match award for his outstanding 130, although Liyanage’s late contribution proved equally important to the result.

Historic Records and England’s Bowling Problems

Sri Lanka’s successful pursuit was surpassed only by South Africa’s celebrated chase against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006.

On that occasion, Australia scored 434 for four before South Africa reached 438 for nine, successfully chasing 435. The match produced 872 runs, which remains the highest combined total in ODI cricket.

The latest encounter finished just 13 runs short of that aggregate, confirming its place among the format’s most remarkable high-scoring contests.

England’s bowlers struggled throughout much of Sri Lanka’s innings. Sam Curran conceded 103 runs from nine overs, while the absence of experienced leg-spinner Adil Rashid left the attack without one of its established options.

Despite Tongue’s three wickets, England could not defend a total that would ordinarily have been considered more than sufficient.

The defeat also increased England’s difficulties in the tri-nation series. Having previously lost to Pakistan, Brook’s side remained without a victory after two matches, leaving their prospects of reaching the final under pressure.

For Sri Lanka, the result represented a significant recovery following their earlier defeat to Pakistan and provided renewed momentum in the competition.

Brook’s extraordinary 202 from 116 balls, Rathnayake’s match-winning century and Liyanage’s spectacular finish ensured the contest would be remembered for its exceptional batting.

Above all, Sri Lanka’s performance demonstrated that even a target exceeding 400 can be overcome through sustained partnerships, calculated aggression and composure under pressure.

The 859-run encounter has secured its place among the most extraordinary matches in ODI cricket history.