Brook’s 202 cannot save England
Harry Brook struck the fastest double-century in men’s one-day international history, but Sri Lanka chased England’s 429-4 to win by two wickets in Rawalpindi on October 22, 2026. Brook reached 200 from 114 deliveries, beating Shubman Gill’s previous mark of 117 balls, and became the first England batter to make an ODI double-century.
Brook finished with 202 from 116 balls, including 21 fours and 10 sixes, before being dismissed from the final delivery of England’s innings. His score also surpassed Ben Stokes’s previous England ODI record of 182. Joe Root contributed 69 from 66 balls.
Sri Lanka’s reply was built around Pavan Rathnayake’s 130 from 106 deliveries. Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka each made 97, keeping the chase within reach. With six required from the last two balls, Janith Liyanage hit Josh Tongue over long-off for six to complete what Dawn Pakistan reported was the second-highest successful chase in ODI history. Tongue took 3-79 for England.
The loss left England bottom of the tri-series standings following defeats in both matches. Pakistan led the table with two wins, while Brook said England needed victories in their next two games to have a chance of reaching the final in Lahore.
Australia’s series lead erased
South Africa’s victory over Australia created a series decider in South Africa next week. ABC Pacific described Australia’s loss as heavy and said the side had squandered its series lead.
The available report did not provide a scorecard or individual performances, limiting a detailed assessment. Its central consequence was clear: Australia failed to convert its lead into a series win, leaving the final match to determine the outcome.