Sri Lanka achieved a stunning victory over England in a One Day International (ODI) cricket match on Thursday, completing one of the highest successful run chases in the format’s history. Chasing a formidable target of 430, Sri Lanka reached 430-8, securing a thrilling two-wicket win that marked the second-highest successful run chase in ODI cricket.
Despite a record-breaking performance by England’s captain Harry Brook, who scored an impressive 202 runs off 116 balls to become the first England player to reach a double century in men’s ODI cricket, England suffered their second consecutive defeat in the tri-series. Brook’s efforts were not enough to stave off the determined Sri Lankan side.
Sri Lanka’s victory was anchored by a 166-run partnership between Avishka Fernando, who scored 97, and Pavan Rathnayake, who made 130 off 106 balls. Captain Dasun Shanaka further propelled the team with a quickfire 97 from just 50 deliveries. The match climaxed with Janith Liyanage’s unbeaten 61 off 27 balls, including a six on the penultimate delivery to clinch the win.
In another notable cricket achievement on the same day, South Africa leveled their Test series against Australia with a decisive innings and 31 runs victory at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. Despite rain delays on the final day, South Africa managed to bowl Australia out for 295 in their second innings, ensuring the win. This result equalized the series at 1-1, following Australia’s earlier win in Durban, and set up a crucial third Test in Cape Town for both teams vying for series victory and essential World Test Championship points.