Rawalpindi, October 22,2026: Pavan Rathnayake’s blistering century, supported by 97 runs each from Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka, powered Sri Lanka to a thrilling two-wicket victory over England in the third match of the Pakistan-hosted ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a mammoth target of 430, Sri Lanka reached 433 for eight with one ball remaining, registering the second-highest successful run chase in men’s ODI history.
England had earlier piled up 429 for four in their 50 overs, with captain Harry Brook smashing a magnificent 202 and Will Jacks contributing an unbeaten 60.
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Kamindu Mendis (18) and captain Kusal Mendis (0) fell within the first five overs, leaving the team struggling at 24 for two.
However, Rathnayake and Fernando launched a spectacular counterattack, adding 166 runs for the third wicket off just 137 balls. Both batters reached their half-centuries before Jamie Overton dismissed Fernando for 97 off 83 deliveries, an innings featuring 11 fours and two sixes.
Rathnayake then combined with Shanaka to maintain the momentum, with the pair putting on 133 runs for the fourth wicket. Rathnayake completed his second ODI century before Sam Curran ended his outstanding innings in the 41st over.
The right-hander top-scored with 130 off 106 balls, striking 15 fours and three sixes.
Shanaka continued the assault alongside Janith Liyanage, adding 40 runs for the fifth wicket before falling just three runs short of his maiden ODI century. He smashed six fours and eight sixes in a breathtaking 50-ball 97.
With the required rate still demanding, Liyanage took charge in the closing stages, guiding Sri Lanka home with an unbeaten 61 off just 27 deliveries, including seven fours and three sixes.
Josh Tongue was England’s leading bowler, taking three wickets for 79 runs, while Curran claimed two wickets. Overton and Liam Dawson took one wicket each.
Earlier, England’s decision to bat first paid rich dividends as they posted 429 for four, the highest ODI total recorded in Pakistan, surpassing the previous mark of 375 for three set by the hosts against Zimbabwe in 2015.
Openers Tom Banton and Ben Duckett provided a brisk start, sharing 74 runs before left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage dismissed both in successive overs. Banton scored 51 off 50 balls, including nine fours, while Duckett made 29 off 39 deliveries.
Brook and Joe Root then steadied the innings with a commanding 159-run partnership for the third wicket. Root scored 69 off 66 balls, hitting eight boundaries, before Asitha Fernando broke the stand in the 38th over.
Brook subsequently accelerated alongside Jacks, with the pair adding a remarkable 185 runs off just 77 deliveries. Their explosive partnership propelled England beyond 400 before Janith Liyanage dismissed Brook on the final ball of the innings.
Brook’s magnificent 202 came off 116 balls and included 21 fours and 10 sixes, while Jacks remained unbeaten on 60 from 33 deliveries, striking eight fours and three sixes.
Wellalage was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler, finishing with two wickets for 56 runs in his 10 overs, while Asitha Fernando and Liyanage claimed one wicket apiece.
The remarkable contest delivered a spectacular batting display from both sides, with Sri Lanka producing a record-breaking chase to secure a memorable victory in the tri-series.
