Sri Lanka produced a sensational batting performance to chase down England’s mammoth target of 430 runs in the third ODI of the tri-nation series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, completing a remarkable victory with one ball to spare.
Sri Lanka reached the target in 49.5 overs, pulling off what was billed as the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history after England had posted an imposing 429 for four in their allotted 50 overs.Sri Lanka endured a shaky start to their pursuit, losing opener Kamindu Mendis for 18 and skipper Kusal Mendis for a duck within the first five overs, leaving the team struggling at 24 runs.
However, Rathnayake joined Fernando at the crease, and the pair launched a spirited counterattack against the England bowlers. Their third-wicket stand yielded 166 runs from just 137 deliveries, with both batters reaching their respective half-centuries.
The partnership was finally broken by Jamie Overton on the opening delivery of the 28th over, when he caught Fernando off his own bowling. Fernando departed after a brilliant 83-ball knock of 97, featuring 11 boundaries and two sixes.
Dasun Shanaka arrived at number five following Fernando’s dismissal and combined with Rathnayake to maintain Sri Lanka’s scoring momentum. The pair added a rapid 133 runs for the fourth wicket, during which Rathnayake advanced from his half-century to register his second ODI hundred.
Sam Curran eventually ended Rathnayake’s outstanding innings in the 41st over. The opener finished as Sri Lanka’s leading scorer with 130 off 106 balls, striking 15 fours and three sixes.
