Pavan Rathnayake’s magnificent 130 and Dasun Shanaka’s explosive 97 power Sri Lanka to a two-wicket victory, chasing 430 with one ball to spare
Sri Lanka pulled off a monstrous chase to stun England in the ODI Tri-Series at Rawalpindi on Thursday, hunting down an extraordinary target of 430 to win by two wickets with one ball remaining in a match that will be remembered for its astonishing batting displays.
After Harry Brook had hammered a breathtaking 202 to propel England to 429 for four, Sri Lanka responded with a batting exhibition of their own, led by Pavan Rathnayake’s superb 130, a blistering 97 from captain Dasun Shanaka and a decisive unbeaten 61 by Janith Liyanage.
The victory, achieved at 430 for eight in 49.5 overs, was a remarkable demonstration of Sri Lanka’s ability to match England’s aggressive approach in a contest dominated by the bat.
Brook’s double century had appeared to put England firmly in control. The England captain smashed 21 fours and 10 sixes in a devastating 116-ball innings, accelerating through the latter stages to leave Sri Lanka facing a daunting assignment.
Will Jacks added further punishment with an unbeaten 66 off just 30 deliveries, striking eight fours and three sixes as England plundered 109 runs in the final 10 overs. Joe Root contributed a measured 69 off 66 balls, while Tom Banton made 50 off 51.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack struggled to contain the assault. Dunith Wellalage was the most economical of the frontline bowlers, taking two wickets for 56 runs in his 10 overs. Asitha Fernando claimed one wicket for 68, while Janith Liyanage dismissed Root for 69. Brook remained the dominant figure, however, as England finished with a formidable total at a run rate of 8.58.
Early blows, but Avishka and Rathnayake respond
Sri Lanka’s chase began poorly. Kamindu Mendis fell for 18, bowled by Josh Tongue, before captain Kusal Mendis was run out without scoring, leaving the visitors at 24 for two in the fifth over.
With the required rate already demanding and wickets lost early, Sri Lanka needed a substantial partnership to remain in contention. Avishka Fernando and Rathnayake supplied exactly that, combining aggression with composure in a match where the margin for error was minimal.
Avishka played a commanding innings of 97 from 83 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. He repeatedly found the boundary without allowing the pressure of the chase to dictate his approach.
At the other end, Rathnayake grew increasingly assured, finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries as the pair rebuilt the innings. Their 166-run partnership for the third wicket transformed the contest, taking Sri Lanka to 190 before Avishka fell to Jamie Overton in the 28th over, just three runs short of a century.
Avishka’s dismissal brought Shanaka to the crease, and the captain immediately raised the tempo.
Rathnayake and Shanaka take the attack to England
Rathnayake reached his century from 87 deliveries, an innings that combined placement and power under immense pressure. He eventually struck 15 fours and three sixes in a 106-ball knock that kept Sri Lanka within reach of the target.
Shanaka, meanwhile, launched a spectacular counterattack. The Sri Lankan captain smashed eight sixes and six fours, racing to 97 from just 50 balls at a strike rate of 194.
Their fourth-wicket partnership yielded 133 runs, bringing Sri Lanka within striking distance of a victory that had seemed improbable when England completed their innings.
Rathnayake’s departure at 323 for four in the 41st over gave England a crucial opening. Sam Curran deceived the right-hander into hitting towards long-on, where Banton completed the catch.
Shanaka continued to attack, bringing the equation within reach, but his attempt to reach three figures with another big hit ended in heartbreak. Liam Dawson found the breakthrough at 363 for five in the 44th over, with Banton again taking the catch at long-on. Shanaka had fallen just three runs short of a deserved century.
Liyanage keeps his nerve in thrilling finish
England sensed an opportunity as Sri Lanka lost wickets during the closing overs. Sahan Arachchige made 13 before falling to Will Jacks, while Wellalage and Eshan Malinga departed in quick succession to Tongue.
But Liyanage refused to let the chase slip away. His unbeaten 61 from 27 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, provided the decisive late surge. He attacked the bowling with calculated aggression, ensuring that the mounting pressure did not derail Sri Lanka’s pursuit.
With one wicket remaining, Asitha Fernando joined Liyanage at the crease. Sri Lanka finally crossed the line at 430 for eight in 49.5 overs, completing a victory that few would have predicted when England finished their innings.
Tongue ended with three wickets, while Curran claimed two, but England’s bowlers could not defend even a total of 429.
The scoreline told the story of an extraordinary contest: England made 429 for four, only for Sri Lanka to go one better. Brook’s monumental innings was overshadowed by Rathnayake’s century, Shanaka’s explosive near-hundred and Liyanage’s match-winning composure.
For Sri Lanka, this was more than a victory in a tri-series fixture. It was a statement of batting intent, delivered under pressure against an England side that had seemingly set an unreachable target. In Rawalpindi, 430 proved not to be enough.
