Brook's 202 falls short as Sri Lanka chase 430 in record run

Harry Brook became the first England batter to score a double century in a one-day international, smashing 202 off 114 balls in Rawalpindi ^[1]. His innings, the fastest double century in ODI history, broke Shubman Gill’s previous record of 117 balls ^[4]. Brook’s 31 boundaries, including 10 sixes, helped England post 429 for four — their highest total overseas against a Test-playing nation. The innings included a 159-run stand with Joe Root, who made 69, and a blistering 185-run partnership with Will Jacks, who remained unbeaten on 66 ^[3].

Despite the monumental total, Sri Lanka pulled off a stunning chase, reaching 430 for eight with one ball to spare ^[2]. Pavan Rathnayake top-scored with 130, Avishka Fernando made 97, and Dasun Shanaka added 97, including eight sixes ^[3]. After being reduced to 24 for two, with captain Kusal Mendis run out without facing a ball, the trio rebuilt the innings with a 166-run partnership.

With eight runs needed off the final over, Josh Tongue took two wickets in consecutive deliveries, but Janath Liyanage smashed a six over long-off to seal victory ^[3]. The chase is the second-highest in ODI history, only behind South Africa’s 438 against Australia in 2006 ^[2]. Brook was dismissed on the final ball of the innings, having reached his double century with a ramp off Liyanage ^[1].

England’s bowlers, including Sam Curran who conceded 103 from nine overs, failed to contain the chase despite early breakthroughs ^[2]. The result leaves England winless in the tri-series after their earlier 87-run loss to Pakistan ^[4]. The story was first reported by BBC News and Daily Mail. According to ^[3], the pitch was described as flat, though this has not been independently verified.