Even though England’s captain, Harry Brook, became the first Englishman to score a double century in ODI cricket on October 22 at Rawalpindi with an amazing 202 off 116 balls, his team was defeated as Sri Lanka chased down a 430-run goal.
In their innings, England scored a staggering 429/4. Will Jacks contributed to England’s 400th wicket with an unbeaten 66 off 30 balls, including eight fours and three sixes in addition to Harry Brook’ record innings. Despite hitting 21 fours and 10 sixes across his innings, Harry Brook was unable to finish the game.
How did England accumulate an astounding 429?
England’s innings was built on several solid partnerships, and Sri Lanka chose to field first. Ben Duckett and Tom Banton started with a 74-run partnership, with Duckett scoring 29 off 39 balls and Banton hitting 50 off 51 balls, including nine fours. Following the departure of both openers, England dropped to 85/2.
Following that, Harry Brook and Joe Root shared the third wicket for 159 runs. Before getting removed, Root hit 69 off 66 balls, including eight fours. Brook gradually increased his pace, finally hitting 202 and becoming the fastest double centuries in ODI cricket. He also joined Chris Gayle on an exclusive all-formats list.
During his innings, Root also made history as the first Englishman to score 8,000 runs in an ODI. As England’s leading run scorer in the format, he now sticks out from the crowd. Dilshan Madushanka went for 89 in his full allotment, Dasun Shanaka conceded 74 runs in just six overs, while Dunith Wellalage was Sri Lanka’s most economical bowler with 2/56.
How did Sri Lanka manage to beat the record?
Sri Lanka’s answer was off to a poor start. They dropped to 24/2 early in the chase after losing Kamindu Mendis for 18 and Kusal Mendis for a duck. Avishka Fernando stabilized the innings with 97 from 83 balls, 12 fours, two sixes, and a 166-run third-wicket partnership with Pavan Rathnayake.
Rathnayake hit 15 fours and three sixes for a career-high 130 off 106 balls. He then teamed up with Shanaka to score 133 runs. With Sri Lanka still needing 67 runs from six overs, Shanaka was dismissed in the 44th over after batting 97 off 50 balls, including six fours and eight sixes.
Following that, Janith Liyanage took hold and guided Sri Lanka to victory with an unbeaten 61 off 27 balls, including three sixes and seven fours. Josh Tongue took 3/79 and, with back-to-back wickets in the final over, hinted at England’s late comeback, but it was inadequate. Sam Curran finished with 2/103 after allowing 103 runs in nine overs, helping Sri Lanka complete one of the most spectacular run chases in ODI history.
Harry Brook lamented his team’s bowling innings performance.
The next leg of the series will be played at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore, with Sri Lanka facing the hosts on Tuesday, October 27, and England facing Pakistan on Sunday, October 25.
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