Srinagar, Oct 22 (KNS): Sri Lanka scripted history with a sensational two-wicket victory over England, successfully chasing a mammoth target of 430 runs in a thrilling ODI encounter at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, despite Harry Brook’s record-breaking double century.
In one of the most extraordinary batting contests in ODI cricket, Sri Lanka reached 430 for eight in 49.5 overs, surpassing the previous record for the highest successful run chase in men’s ODIs.
England had earlier posted an imposing 429 for four, riding on Brook’s breathtaking 202 off 116 deliveries, but Sri Lanka produced a remarkable collective batting effort to turn what appeared an impossible target into a historic victory.
Avishka Fernando provided the early momentum with an aggressive 97 before Pavan Rathnayake took control of the chase with a magnificent 130, keeping Sri Lanka firmly in contention despite the mounting pressure.
Dasun Shanaka then unleashed a devastating counterattack, smashing 97 off just 50 balls to shift the momentum decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour.
With the contest heading towards a dramatic finish, England struck twice in the final over, raising hopes of an unlikely escape.
However, Janith Liyanage held his nerve and struck Josh Tongue for a towering six over long-off on the fifth delivery of the final over, completing a remarkable victory and triggering celebrations in the Sri Lankan camp.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Earlier, Brook had produced an innings of exceptional power and precision, becoming the first England batter to score a double century in men’s ODI cricket.
He reached the 200-run milestone in just 114 deliveries, breaking the previous record of 117 balls held by India’s Shubman Gill for the fastest double century in the format.
Brook’s innings included 21 boundaries and 10 sixes as England dominated the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Joe Root contributed 69, while Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66, helping England reach 429 for four in their allotted 50 overs.
The total appeared to have placed England in complete command, but Sri Lanka’s fearless approach transformed the match into a record-breaking spectacle.
The successful chase surpassed South Africa’s famous pursuit of 435 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006, when the Proteas chased down a target of 435.
For England, Brook’s historic innings ended in disappointment, while Sri Lanka registered one of the most remarkable victories in the history of one-day international cricket.(KNS)
