Sri Lanka recorded the second-highest successful run-chase in 50-Over Internationals when they stunned England by two wickets in the third match of the tri-nation series in Rawalpindi on Thursday. The highest successful run-chase remains South Africa’s 438 for nine against Australia in 2006.

Chasing England’s mammoth 429 for four, Sri Lanka romped to victory for the loss of eight wickets on the penultimate ball of the match after requiring eight runs in the final over and then six off the last two balls. Josh Tongue claimed two wickets and conceded two singles in the first four deliveries before he was belted for a match-winning six over long-off by Janith Liyanage.

Liyanage returned unbeaten on a 27-ball 61 with seven fours and three sixes, after Pavan Rathnayake, later adjudged player of the match, had smashed a 106-ball 130 with 15 fours and three sixes. Avishka Fernando had earlier clobbered 11 fours and two sixes in an 83-ball 97, while Dasun Shanaka slapped six fours and eight sixes in a blistering 50-ball 97.

Earlier, England’s 429 for four revolved around a hurricane 202 by captain Harry Brook, who belted 21 fours and 10 sixes in a 116-ball innings. Brook completed his first 100 runs from 75 balls with nine fours and five sixes, while his second hundred came from just 39 balls and contained 11 fours and five sixes.

Bowlers from either side had a forgettable day at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, which was pelted with fours and sixes as spectators ran for cover. A total of 93 fours and 30 sixes were struck in 99.5 overs, producing an incredible 859 runs for the loss of 12 wickets.

England’s Sam Curran conceded 103 runs from his nine overs and collected two wickets, Josh Tongue finished with three for 79 from 8.5 overs, and Jamie Overton was hit for 77 runs from his 10 overs. For Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga was hammered for 91 runs from his 10 overs, Dilshan Madushanka conceded 91 runs from his 10 wicketless overs, Shanaka gave away 74 runs from six overs, and Liyanage’s two overs cost him 32 runs.

Amidst these tough bowling performances, left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage stood out, returning exceptional figures of 10-0-56-2.

The run-fest also witnessed four century partnerships.

Joe Root (69) put on 159 runs for the third wicket from 127 balls with Brook, before the England captain added 185 runs from 79 balls with Will Jacks (66 not out). For Sri Lanka, Rathnayake and Fernando put on 166 runs from 137 balls for the third wicket, before Rathnayake and Shanaka stitched 133 runs from 79 balls for the fourth wicket.

The PowerPlay overs had their own story to tell.

England scored 54 for no loss in the first 10 overs, before collecting a whopping 156 runs in the last 10 overs—thanks to Brook’s blistering knock. In contrast, Sri Lanka scored 60 for two in their first 10 overs, and 109 runs in the last 9.5 overs. The match practically swung in the middle overs, in which Sri Lanka scored 261 runs compared to England’s 219.

The series will now move to Lahore, where Pakistan will take on England on Sunday at the Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan have won both their matches, while England and Sri Lanka have won one and lost one.

Scores in Brief: Sri Lanka beat England by two wickets

England: 429-4, 50 overs (Harry Brook 202, Joe Root 69, Will Jacks 66 not out, Tom Banton 50, Ben Duckett 29; Dunith Wellalage 2-56, Janith Liyanage 1-32, Asitha Fernando 1-68)

Sri Lanka: 430-8, 49.5 overs (Pavan Rathnayake 130, Avishka Fernando 97, Dasun Shanaka 97, Janith Liyanage 61 not out, Kamindu Mendis 18; Josh Tongue 3-79, Sam Curran 2-103, Jamie Overton 1-77, Liam Dawson 1-71)

Player of the Match: Pavan Rathnayake (Sri Lanka)

Next Fixture: Pakistan v England, 25 October, Lahore