Sri Lanka chase down 430 to beat England in thrilling tri-series ODI clash

Sri Lanka pulled off a remarkable victory over England in the third match of the tri-nation ODI series, chasing down a target of 430 with just one ball to spare and snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. It was the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history.

The match was played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis's decision to field first proved costly.

Batting first, England piled up 429 for four in their allotted 50 overs. It was the highest ODI total ever recorded by any team in Pakistan, surpassing the previous record of 375 for three, set by Pakistan against Zimbabwe in 2015.

England captain Harry Brook produced a sensational innings, scoring a double century off just 114 balls to register what the report described as the fastest double century in ODI cricket. His innings included 21 fours and 10 sixes before he was dismissed for 202.

Brook also became the first England batter to score a double century in ODI cricket.

Will Jacks provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 66 off just 30 balls. Joe Root contributed 69 runs, while Tom Banton scored 50.

For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage was the leading bowler, taking two wickets for 56 runs in his 10 overs. Fernando and Janith Liyanage claimed one wicket each.

Chasing the daunting target, Sri Lanka made a disappointing start, losing both their opening batters for just 24 runs within the first five overs. Kamindu Mendis was dismissed for 18, while captain Kusal Mendis departed without scoring.

Pavan Rathnayake then launched a counterattack alongside Avishka Fernando, putting England's bowlers under pressure. The pair added 166 runs for the third wicket off just 137 balls.

Fernando narrowly missed a century, falling for 97 off 83 balls in the 28th over. His innings featured 11 fours and two sixes.

Following Fernando's dismissal, experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka joined Rathnayake at the crease. The pair maintained the scoring momentum, adding a rapid 133 runs for the fourth wicket.

During the partnership, Rathnayake brought up his second ODI century.

Rathnayake was eventually dismissed by Sam Curran in the 41st over after scoring a brilliant 130 off 106 balls. His innings included 15 fours and three sixes.

Shanaka continued the chase alongside Janith Liyanage, with the pair adding 40 runs for the fifth wicket.

However, Shanaka fell just short of a century, being dismissed for 97 off only 50 balls. His explosive innings included six fours and eight sixes.

After Shanaka's dismissal, Liyanage took charge and guided Sri Lanka to a memorable victory. He sealed the win by hitting a six off the fifth ball of the 50th over.

Liyanage remained unbeaten on 61 off just 27 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes.

For England, Josh Tongue was the leading wicket-taker, claiming three wickets for 79 runs. Sam Curran took two wickets, while Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson picked up one wicket each.

The report described the result as the highest successful run chase on Pakistani soil. It also noted that South Africa had previously chased down a target of 435 against Australia on home soil.

The match also marked the first time a team had crossed the 400-run mark in an ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Before this match, Pakistan's 337 was the highest ODI total recorded at the venue.