Sri Lanka achieved a historic victory over England in a one-day international (ODI) match on Thursday, completing the second-highest successful run chase in the format’s history. Chasing England’s formidable total of 429-4, Sri Lanka reached 430-8, clinching a thrilling two-wicket win.
Despite England captain Harry Brook’s record-breaking innings, where he scored 202 off 116 balls to become the first Englishman to hit a double century in men’s ODI cricket, his team suffered their second consecutive defeat in the tri-series. Sri Lanka’s pursuit was bolstered by a 166-run partnership between Avishka Fernando, who scored 97, and Pavan Rathnayake, who contributed 130 off 106 balls. Captain Dasun Shanaka also played a crucial role with a rapid 97 from 50 deliveries.
The match-winner for Sri Lanka was Janith Liyanage, who remained unbeaten on 61 from just 27 balls. With six runs needed off the final two balls, Liyanage secured the victory by hitting a six over long-off, sealing one of Sri Lanka’s most memorable ODI triumphs.
In another significant cricketing event on Thursday, South Africa defeated Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. The victory came despite rain interruptions on the final day, with South Africa dismissing Australia for 295 in their second innings. This win allowed South Africa to level the series at 1-1 after Australia had claimed the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs.
The result in Gqeberha sets up a decisive third Test in Cape Town, with both South Africa and Australia vying for series victory and crucial World Test Championship points. The upcoming match promises to be a closely contested battle as both teams aim to assert dominance in the series.