Rawalpindi (TNS) – The Sri Lankan team has made history at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium by successfully chasing down a mammoth 430-run target to defeat England by 2 wickets—a feat that rendered English captain Harry Brook’s double century in vain. In a historic and thrilling encounter—part of an ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England—Sri Lanka secured a 2-wicket victory, marking a monumental achievement in the history of ODI cricket. After winning the toss, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis elected to field first; a decision that initially appeared questionable given the colossal score posted by England. However, the Sri Lankan batters defied the odds, successfully chasing the record target of 430 runs in 49.5 overs for the loss of 8 wickets. Batting first, England posted a total of 429 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. During this innings, English captain Harry Brook played a spectacular, unbeaten knock of 202 runs off 116 balls—featuring 21 fours and 10 sixes—becoming the first English player to score a double century in ODI cricket. In England’s innings, Joe Root scored 69, Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66, Tom Banton contributed 50, and Ben Duckett scored 29 runs. For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage took two wickets, while Asitha Fernando and Janith Liyanage claimed one wicket each. It is worth noting that the previous highest score at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was 337, set by Pakistan against New Zealand in 2023. In response, Sri Lanka’s Pavan Rathnayake played an innings of 130 runs off 106 balls, featuring 15 fours and 3 sixes. Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka each scored 97 runs, while Janith Liyanage played a responsible, unbeaten knock of 61 to guide his team to victory. Among the English bowlers, Josh Tongue took 3 wickets, Sam Curran claimed 2, and Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson each took one wicket.
