Pavan Rathnayake’s brilliant 130 and Janith Liyanage’s unbeaten 61 powered Sri Lanka to a record-breaking victory after England posted 429 in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka defeated England by two wickets in a thrilling third match of the ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan on Thursday, 22 October 2026, completing a historic run chase at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
England piled up a mammoth 429, the highest-ever total in an ODI innings in Pakistan, but Sri Lanka responded with a remarkable batting display to secure a memorable victory and claim two crucial points in the series.
Pavan Rathnayake was named Player of the Match for his outstanding 130 off 106 balls, anchoring Sri Lanka’s recovery after an early collapse.
England post record-breaking total
England’s batting firepower was led by captain Harry Brook, who smashed a magnificent double century, recording the fastest double hundred in ODI cricket. Joe Root contributed 69, sharing a 159-run partnership with Brook, while Tom Banton added a valuable half-century.
Will Jacks provided a spectacular finish, blasting 66 off just 30 deliveries to propel England to 429. Dunith Wellalage claimed two wickets for Sri Lanka, while Asitha Fernando and Janith Liyanage took one apiece.
Rathnayake and Liyanage inspire Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka stumbled to 24 for two in their pursuit of the daunting target, with captain Kamindu Mendis dismissed for a golden duck. Avishka Fernando and Rathnayake then rebuilt the innings with a commanding 166-run partnership.
Fernando fell just short of a century, scoring 97, but Rathnayake continued the charge. His partnership with Dasun Shanaka yielded 133 runs from only 79 balls, putting Sri Lanka firmly back in contention.
Rathnayake’s innings ended on 130, while Shanaka played a blistering knock of 97. Janith Liyanage then took responsibility for the finish, remaining unbeaten on 61 from just 27 balls.
Dramatic finish seals historic victory
England appeared to have regained control in the closing overs. Jamie Overton conceded just five runs in the penultimate over, leaving Sri Lanka under pressure.
Josh Tongue struck twice in the final over, briefly raising England’s hopes. However, Liyanage held his nerve and sealed the victory with a towering six off the penultimate delivery.
The successful chase placed Sri Lanka among the select teams, alongside South Africa and India, to have chased down a target exceeding 400 in men’s ODI cricket.
The result gives Sri Lanka a winning start to their Tri-Series campaign, while England must regroup ahead of their next match against hosts Pakistan on Sunday, 25 October. The match is scheduled to begin at 8am GMT.