Daren Sammy used Hindi expletive “BC” in reaction to Sri Lanka’s historic chase vs England? Fans react

Harry Brook’s Record Double Century Overshadowed as Sri Lanka Complete Historic ODI Chase

Harry Brook made English cricket history in Rawalpindi, becoming the first England batter to score a double century in a men’s One-Day International. Yet his remarkable 200 off 114 balls was not enough to secure victory. Sri Lanka chased down England’s imposing 429-run target with one ball remaining, completing the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history.

The extraordinary contest in the ODI Tri-Series produced 859 runs and a finish that kept spectators guessing until the final over on Thursday, October 22. It also offered a vivid reminder of how dramatically momentum can shift in modern one-day cricket: England’s record-setting innings looked like a match-winning total, but Sri Lanka’s batters answered with sustained aggression and a fearless late assault.

Harry Brook Sets a New England ODI Benchmark

Brook’s innings began cautiously. He had made 13 from his first 24 deliveries before consecutive sixes off Kamindu Mendis changed the tempo. From there, the England captain accelerated with remarkable control, reaching his half-century from 42 balls, his hundred from 75 and 150 from just 97. He completed his double century in 114 deliveries.

The landmark arrived with a paddle-swept boundary, capping an innings that combined power with inventive shot-making. Brook added 159 runs with Joe Root and later shared a 185-run partnership with Will Jacks. England’s finish was especially explosive: the team scored 156 runs in the final 10 overs, pushing its total to 429.

Brook was caught at deep point from the last ball of England’s innings, but his achievement had already secured a place in the record books. He became the first Englishman to reach 200 in an ODI and only the second player, after Chris Gayle, to record a Test triple century, an ODI double century and a T20 International century.

However, the result created another unusual milestone. Brook became the first player to score an ODI double century in a losing cause. His individual feat was historic, but Sri Lanka’s response ensured the match would be remembered just as much for the chase.

Rathnayake and Fernando Rebuild Sri Lanka’s Innings

Chasing 430, Sri Lanka suffered an immediate setback when captain Kusal Mendis was run out without facing a delivery. Avishka Fernando was then initially given out lbw, leaving Sri Lanka in trouble at 38 for three. Fernando reviewed the decision successfully, and the reprieve proved crucial.

Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake steadied the innings with a partnership of 166 runs. Fernando made 97 before Jamie Overton dismissed him, narrowly missing a century after helping restore belief in the chase. Rathnayake carried on, striking 130 and keeping Sri Lanka within reach of the required rate.

Dasun Shanaka then intensified the pressure on England’s bowlers. His 97 came from only 50 balls and included six fours and eight sixes. Shanaka survived two dismissal decisions after successful reviews, but fell just three runs short of a hundred. By then, however, Sri Lanka had established the platform for a dramatic finish.

Janith Liyanage Delivers Under Pressure

With 67 runs still required from the final 36 balls, Janith Liyanage transformed the contest. His unbeaten 61 from 27 deliveries featured seven fours and three sixes, as he attacked the bowling and kept Sri Lanka’s hopes alive during the most demanding phase of the chase.

England’s bowlers also had to contend with heavy dew, which made the ball difficult to grip. Sam Curran endured a particularly difficult evening, conceding 103 runs in nine overs—the most expensive bowling figures by an England player in an ODI. The conditions did not decide the match on their own, but they added another challenge as Sri Lanka pressed hard in the closing overs.

The final over brought one last burst of tension. Josh Tongue struck twice with consecutive yorkers to dismiss Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga. Asitha Fernando then took a single, putting Liyanage back on strike. With six runs needed from two balls, Liyanage launched Tongue over long-off for a match-winning six. Sri Lanka had completed the chase with one ball to spare.

Daren Sammy’s Reaction Adds to the Online Buzz

The remarkable result quickly attracted attention beyond the two teams. West Indies head coach Daren Sammy reacted on X, writing: “Wow… no score is safe. I know the feeling, BC.” His brief post captured the disbelief surrounding the chase, while the Hindi expletive abbreviation drew attention and prompted discussion among fans.

Sammy’s comment also referred to a recent experience for the West Indies, who had lost by eight wickets to India in Guwahati despite posting their highest-ever ODI total of 405 for seven. The comparison underlined a growing reality in international cricket: even a total above 400 can no longer be treated as an assured victory when conditions, partnerships and late-innings hitting align.

What the Result Means for England and Sri Lanka

For England, the defeat was their second in three days in the ODI Tri-Series, despite Brook’s extraordinary contribution. The match will likely prompt questions about defending huge totals, managing the death overs and adapting bowling plans when dew makes execution more difficult. England’s 429 would normally place a team in a commanding position, but Sri Lanka’s scoring rate and depth in the batting order kept the target within reach.

For Sri Lanka, the win was a statement of composure as well as firepower. Fernando and Rathnayake rebuilt after early trouble, Shanaka shifted the pressure with a rapid innings, and Liyanage finished the job when the match came down to its final deliveries. That sequence offers a useful prediction for future high-scoring ODIs: teams that preserve wickets and maintain belief can turn even daunting targets into realistic opportunities.

Brook’s double century remains a landmark achievement, but Rawalpindi’s defining story was the result. England set a record total, Sri Lanka answered with the second-highest successful chase in ODI history, and the final six sealed a finish that showcased the unpredictable, high-scoring character of modern one-day cricket.