The cricket world witnessed one of the greatest and most exhilarating matches in ODI history as Sri Lanka successfully chased down a daunting 430-run target to defeat England by 2 wickets with just 1 ball remaining. Played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as part of the Tri-Nation ODI Series, Sri Lanka’s monumental chase stands as the second-highest successful run-chase in the 50-year history of One-Day International cricket.
Earlier in the match, England skipper Harry Brook set the stadium ablaze by shattering the record for the fastest double century in ODI history, surpassing Shubman Gill’s mark by reaching 200 off just 114 balls. Brook was eventually dismissed on the final ball of the innings for a magnificent 202 off 116 balls (featuring 22 fours and 9 sixes). Backed by Joe Root’s 69 and Will Jacks’s rapid 66, England posted a colossal total of 429/10 in 50 overs.
Chasing 430, Sri Lanka faltered early, slumping to 24/2. However, resilient twin 97-run knocks from opener Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka anchored the middle order and revived Sri Lanka’s hopes.
Batting at number 4, Pavan Rathnayake produced a heroic innings of 130 runs, holding one end firm and laying the bedrock for Sri Lanka’s historic pursuit.
With the required run rate soaring near the end, Janith Liyanage turned the match on its head. Liyanage smashed a blistering 61 off just 27 balls, driving Sri Lanka across the finish line with 2 wickets and 1 ball to spare.
This 430-run pursuit is second only to South Africa’s legendary 438-run chase against Australia (434/4) at Johannesburg in 2006.
