Sri Lanka complete second-highest chase in ODI history to upstage record-breaking Brook in tri-series

Sri Lanka recorded the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history, overhauling England’s 429 for 4 to win by two wickets in the third match of the Pakistan tri-series at Rawalpindi. The target of 430 was reached in 49.5 overs when Janith Liyanage deposited Josh Tongue over long-off for six, finishing the match with one delivery to spare. The victory hands Sri Lanka their first points in the tri-series.

England’s total was built on a Harry Brook masterclass. The captain struck 202 off 116 balls, hitting 21 fours and 10 sixes in what stands as the highest individual innings by an England batter in ODI cricket. Will Jacks then accelerated at the death, finishing unbeaten on 66 off 30 balls to push England past 400. A total of that magnitude appeared impregnable. Sri Lanka disagreed.

The chase began at a fierce tempo, with Sri Lanka reaching 50 in 9.1 overs. The required rate remained within reach throughout. Pavan Rathnayake provided the backbone of the innings with 130 off 106 balls, and Dasun Shanaka’s 97 off 50 balls kept the scoring moving. By the end of the 33rd over, Sri Lanka had reached 239 for 3, still requiring 191 from 102 deliveries.

How did the final overs play out?

Sri Lanka pressed on to 402 for 5, at which point 28 runs were still needed from the last 20 balls. England then found a way back into the contest. Sahan Arachchige attempted to clear the boundary off a waist-high Sam Curran full toss but was caught on the rope, leaving 24 required from 18 deliveries. Dunith Wellalage followed shortly after, falling to Tongue with seven still needed, and England sensed a dramatic turnaround.

Liyanage refused to buckle. He remained at the crease and finished unbeaten on 61, striking the decisive six to complete the chase with a ball to spare. The win is a bruising outcome for England, whose captain produced the biggest innings in their ODI history yet returned with no points from the match.

Where does this chase sit in ODI history?

The five highest successful run chases in ODI cricket now stand as follows. South Africa topped the list when they overhauled a target of 435 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006, finishing on 438. Sri Lanka’s 430 against England in Rawalpindi in 2026 is second. India’s 406 against the West Indies in Guwahati in 2026, a chase anchored by Shubman Gill’s 223 not out, is third. The Netherlands’ 375 against the West Indies in Harare in 2023, decided by a Super Over, is fourth. South Africa’s 372 against Australia in Durban in 2016 completes the top five.

For Sri Lanka, the result is a significant moment in the tri-series and places them firmly in contention as the tournament continues. England, despite Brook’s historic knock, must regroup and find a way to take points from their remaining fixtures.

Highest successful run chases in ODIs

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