Harry Brook’s record-breaking innings of 202 runs in a one-day international was overshadowed by a remarkable comeback from Sri Lanka, who defeated England by two wickets in a thrilling tri-series match in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on October 23, 2026.

Brook’s score marked multiple milestones: it was the first double-century by an England batsman in the ODI format and the fastest ever, achieved off just 114 balls. The England white-ball captain started cautiously, scoring 13 runs in his first 24 deliveries before accelerating to a century in 75 balls. He ultimately reached his double-hundred in the final over, helping England post a formidable total of 429 runs for four wickets, their fourth-highest 50-over score and best ever on foreign soil against a Test-playing nation.

Despite this commanding total, England’s bowling attack struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batting lineup, which overcame an early setback of 24 for two wickets. Pavan Rathnayake led the recovery with a powerful 130 off 106 balls, supported by notable contributions from Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka, each scoring 97. The required run rate remained challenging throughout the innings, often in double digits, but the Sri Lankan batsmen showed resilience and determination.

The match’s climax was intense, with England needing just eight runs from the final over. Janith Liyanage hit a six off Josh Tongue’s penultimate delivery to keep Sri Lanka in contention. Earlier in the innings, Joe Root became the first English batsman to surpass 8,000 ODI runs, finishing with 69 before being caught off Asitha Fernando. Will Jacks, promoted to number three, added 66 runs off 30 balls and helped maintain the momentum in Sri Lanka’s chase.

England’s bowlers struggled in the latter stages. Sam Curran conceded 103 runs in nine overs while conceding three sixes to Shanaka in one over. Although England took key wickets, including those of Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis (the latter run out without facing a ball), Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order refused to yield.

In the final moments, Tongue took two wickets in the last over, but Liyanage remained unbeaten on 61, sealing a memorable victory for Sri Lanka with a six over long-off.

Following the game, Brook expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging his disappointment that his personal achievements were insufficient for a win. “I always say I want to make match-winning contributions and have a match-winning hundred – so I’m a bit gutted it wasn’t enough,” he said, also praising Sri Lanka’s collective effort.

The victory propels Sri Lanka to a stronger position in the ongoing tri-series, while England reflects on the challenge of defending such a large total amid exceptional individual performances on both sides.