What's happened
Sri Lanka has chased down a mammoth target in Rawalpindi, with Rathnayake, Fernando and Shanaka delivering big knocks to overhaul England's record ODI score, as Liyanage seals victory with a 61* off 27 in the final over.
What's behind the headline?
Critical perspective
- This chase challenges England's bowling depth and exposes vulnerabilities in fielding and death overs.
- The unprecedented 430+ target prompts questions about pitch behavior and scheduling in Pakistan.
- The performance of Rathnayake and Shanaka signals a shift in Sri Lanka's middle-order strength, while Brook's 200 demonstrates England's explosive capacity.
What this means for readers: a world where big totals are increasingly common, and teams with sturdy middle orders can seize control late in innings.
How we got here
The latest tri-series match in Rawalpindi features Sri Lanka chasing a 430+ target set by England. After a rocky start, Rathnayake and Fernando rebuild, Shanaka accelerates, and Liyanage finishes off as Sri Lanka completes one of the sport's greatest chases. The game follows a string of high-scoring ODIs in the format.
Our analysis
- The Guardian notes Sri Lanka’s formation under pressure, highlighting Rathnayake and Shanaka’s decisive knocks. - The Times and ESPNcricinfo discuss England’s collapse and Brook’s record-breaking double century in a separate game within the same series.
Go deeper
- Will Sri Lanka sustain this form in the next match?
- Could this lead to changes in England's bowling lineup for the remaining games?
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Avishka Fernando - Sri Lankan cricketer
Weerahandige Inol Avishka Fernando, commonly as Avishka Fernando, is a professional Sri Lankan cricketer, who currently plays limited over internationals for Sri Lanka national team.
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Joe Root - Cricketer
Joseph Edward Root MBE is an English international cricketer who is the current captain of England in Test cricket. He also represents Yorkshire domestically.
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Harry Brook - English cricketer
Harry Cherrington Brook is an English first-class cricketer who plays for Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Primarily a right-handed batsman, he also bowls right-arm medium pace.
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Sri Lanka - Country in South Asia
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the Arabian Sea.
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Dasun Shanaka - Sri Lankan cricketer
Madagamagamage Dasun Shanaka, or Dasun Shanaka, is a professional Sri Lankan cricketer, who plays in all formats. Known as a pinch hitter, Shanaka generally plays as a batting all rounder with handy right-arm medium fast bowling.
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Pakistan - Country in South Asia
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.