Sri Lanka produced one of the greatest run-chases in ODI cricket history, defeating England by two wickets after chasing down a target of 430 in the third ODI at Rawalpindi on October 22. The contest witnessed a record-breaking innings from Harry Brook, but his historic double century ultimately ended in a losing cause.

England posted 429/4 in 50 overs, with Brook smashing 202 off 116 balls. Sri Lanka responded with 430/8 in 49.5 overs, completing the second-highest successful chase in ODI history.

Harry Brook creates history with fastest ever double century

Brook walked out to bat after England lost Ben Duckett and Tom Banton, with the latter having contributed a half-century. The England captain initially took time to settle before shifting gears, taking on Sri Lanka's bowlers with an array of attacking shots.

Joe Root supported him with 69 off 66 balls, helping England build a strong platform. Brook then accelerated through the middle and death overs, reaching his double century off just 114 balls. He finished unbeaten on 202 from 116 deliveries, striking 21 fours and 10 sixes.

Will Jacks provided a late boost with 66 off 30 balls, allowing England to finish on 429/4. Brook's knock became England's highest individual ODI score, their first double century in the format and the fastest ODI double century ever recorded. He also scored the second hundred of his innings in just 39 balls.

The innings made Brook the first English batter to score an ODI century in Rawalpindi and established a new highest individual ODI score at the venue. However, Sri Lanka's response ensured that the remarkable performance did not translate into an England victory.

Harry Brook's double century in vain as Sri Lanka pull off historic run-chase

Sri Lanka needed 430 to win, but their batters refused to let the asking rate dictate the contest. Avishka Fernando scored 97, while Pavan Rathnayake led the charge with 130 off 106 balls. Their partnership gave the hosts a strong foundation before captain Dasun Shanaka added 97 from just 50 deliveries.

England fought back with wickets in the closing overs, leaving Sri Lanka needing composure under pressure. Janith Liyanage delivered at the crucial stage, remaining unbeaten on 61 off 27 balls as the hosts crossed the finish line with one ball remaining.

Brook became the first batter to score a double century in a losing ODI cause. The highest individual scores in losing causes include:

- 202: Harry Brook vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi, 2026

- 194*: Charles Coventry vs Bangladesh, Bulawayo, 2009

- 193: Fakhar Zaman vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2021

- 191: George Munsey vs Netherlands, Dundee, 2025

- 181*: Matthew Hayden vs New Zealand, Hamilton, 2007

Top 5 biggest successful run-chases in ODI history, ft Sri Lanka vs England

Sri Lanka's chase of 430 now ranks among the greatest batting efforts in ODI history. The match also became the second-highest aggregate in the format, with England and Sri Lanka combining for 859 runs.

The highest successful ODI run-chases are:

- 438/9: South Africa vs Australia, Johannesburg, 2006

- 430/8: Sri Lanka vs England, Rawalpindi, 2026

- 406/2: India vs West Indies, Guwahati, 2026

- 374/9: Netherlands vs West Indies, Harare, 2023

- 372/6: South Africa vs Australia, Durban, 2016

The highest match aggregates in ODI cricket are:

- 872 runs: Australia (434) vs South Africa (438), Johannesburg, 2006

- 859 runs: England (429) vs Sri Lanka (430), Rawalpindi, 2026

- 825 runs: India (414) vs Sri Lanka (411), Rajkot, 2009

- 811 runs: West Indies (405) vs India (406), Guwahati, 2026

- 807 runs: England (418) vs West Indies (389), St George's, 2019