Harry Brook produced a breathtaking double century, the first by an England batter in one-day internationals, but finished on the losing side of a remarkable run-fest as Sri Lanka chased down 415 to win by one wicket with a ball remaining in Rawalpindi.
Brook’s 114-ball assault, which surpassed Shubman Gill’s record for the fastest ODI double century, lifted England from 24 for two to 414 for six. Yet Sri Lanka responded with the second-highest successful chase in the format’s history, led by Pavan Rathnayake’s 130, Avishka Fernando’s 97, Dasun Shanaka’s 97 and Janith Liyanage’s extraordinary unbeaten 61 from 27 balls.
Brook combined with Joe Root for 159 and Will Jacks for a further 185, unleashing a spectacular array of scoops, reverse-scoops and towering hits. He reached his double century in the final over before falling on the last ball, having struck his second hundred from just 39 deliveries.
The England captain became only the second player, after Chris Gayle, to score a Test triple century, an ODI double hundred and a T20 international century. But the landmark brought little consolation.
“Both teams were exceptional,” Brook said. “Sri Lanka just outplayed us, unfortunately. We couldn’t quite hit our straps with the ball and played into their strengths.”
England appeared favourites when Sri Lanka slumped to 38 for three, but Fernando and Rathnayake rebuilt the innings before Shanaka accelerated the chase. Rathnayake’s dismissal left the hosts needing another surge, which Liyanage duly supplied.
With seven required from the final three balls, Josh Tongue dismissed Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga with successive deliveries. Asitha Fernando then took a single to return Liyanage to the crease.
Tongue’s final delivery sat up invitingly, and Liyanage launched it over long-off to seal an astonishing victory.
Sam Curran endured a particularly punishing evening, conceding 103 runs in nine overs, the worst figures by an England bowler in an ODI.
For Brook, the records were extraordinary, but defeat made them feel hollow. “Being on the losing side, it has no value whatsoever in my eyes,” he said.
