England have set Sri Lanka a target of 430 runs to win in the third match of the Pakistan Tri-Nation ODI Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both teams entered the match seeking their first victory in the series after losing their opening two games. England skipper Harry Brook smashed the fastest-ever double century in ODI cricket in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to bowl first, citing the possibility of dew later in the match. He acknowledged that his team had failed to chase targets successfully in their previous two outings.
Sri Lanka made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Dunith Wellalage in place of Sachithra Colombage. England captain Harry Brook said his team had also planned to bat first. The visitors made two changes, including Liam Dawson and Josh Tongue in place of Sonny Baker and Adil Rashid.
Meanwhile, Pakistan remain unbeaten in the tri-nation series, having defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in their opening match before securing an 87-run victory over England in their second outing.
England posted a massive total of 429 for four in their allotted 50 overs against Sri Lanka in the third match of the Pakistan Tri-Nation ODI Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, powered by a record-breaking double century from captain Harry Brook.
Brook smashed 202 runs off 116 deliveries, including 21 fours and 10 sixes, becoming the first England batter to score a double century in men’s One-Day International (ODI) cricket. He reached the landmark in just 114 balls.
Will Jacks provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 66 off 30 balls, while Joe Root contributed 69 runs and Tom Banton added 50 to help England set Sri Lanka a challenging target of 430 runs.
England’s total also marked the first time a team had crossed the 400-run barrier in an ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan previously held the venue’s highest ODI total with 337 runs. Before Brook’s remarkable innings, former South African batter Gary Kirsten held the record for the highest individual ODI score at the Rawalpindi venue, having scored 188 runs in 1996.
Brook’s historic knock highlighted England’s batting dominance and put Sri Lanka under considerable pressure in their pursuit of a first victory in the tri-nation series.
