Brook’s 202 overshadowed by historic Sri Lanka chase

Harry Brook’s record-breaking score of 202 should’ve been the defining story of England’s One-Day International (ODI) match against Sri Lanka. Instead, it became the first ODI double hundred in a losing cause and the backdrop to one of the greatest victories in one-day cricket as Sri Lanka chased down 430 with a ball to spare.

The tri-series between England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka was expected to be valuable preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Having lost their opening match to Pakistan, Harry Brook’s side were searching for their first win, with Sri Lanka in the same position after their defeat in the opening fixture. Each side was eager to get off the mark and Sri Lanka, having won the toss, elected to bowl first, hoping that dew later in the evening would aid their chase.

A breathtaking array of ramps, scoops, and drives carried [Brook] to 200 from just 114 balls, the fastest double century in ODI cricket

A steady powerplay of 57/0 from Duckett and Banton set England up well and facilitated an important third-wicket stand between Root and Brook. Joe Root achieved another personal milestone of 8,000 ODI runs, providing a steady presence at the crease before miscuing on 69.

Brook got off to a slow start (13 off his first 24 deliveries) but soon reached his half-century from 42 balls. From there it only got better. Extraordinary footwork and a breathtaking array of ramps, scoops, and drives carried him to 200 from just 114 balls, the fastest double century in ODI cricket. The only thing missing from this remarkable innings was the asterisk next to his 202 – he was dismissed on the final ball of the innings.

Jacks added further damage with an unbeaten 66 from just 30 deliveries as England finished on 429/4. At the interval, England appeared firmly in control; only once before had a men’s ODI team successfully chased a higher target. And after five overs of the second innings, England remained on top, having their opponents 30/2.

But Rathnayake and Avishka refused to give up; Sri Lanka had wanted to chase and the pitch was flat. The third-wicket partnership reached 166 and, while Avishka fell short of his century, Shanaka kept the innings alive.

England remained winless while Sri Lanka made history

With Archer rested for the series and leg-spinner Rashid left out of this match, England’s bowling performance was below par. Sam Curran conceded 103 runs from his nine overs, the most expensive ODI figures for an English bowler. England finally gained some control, dismissing Rathnayake for 130 and Shanaka for 97 by the end of the 44th over, but Sri Lanka only needed another 67. Liyanage remained at the crease as Sri Lanka edged closer to victory.

The final over arrived with eight more runs required and Tongue was given the ball. A single preceded two consecutive wickets, changing the equation to seven required from three balls. With a new batter at the crease, England would have felt confident. But another single brought Liyanage, already unbeaten on 54, back on strike. Tongue, under pressure, missed his yorker and Liyanage, in a moment of fairytale revenge (having been the bowler when Brook reached his 200) launched the ball over long-off for six. Sri Lanka had completed one of the greatest ODI chases in history with a ball to spare. 

England remained winless while Sri Lanka made history.