Jamie Overton issued a concise two-word response on X that garnered more acclaim than his bowling statistics following England’s stunning defeat to Sri Lanka in the third ODI Tri-Series match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 22, 2026. Sri Lanka chased down 430 runs, marking the second-highest run chase in ODI history and inflicting a second consecutive tournament loss on England.
The loss was particularly difficult for England’s bowling attack. With the exception of Gus Atkinson, nearly every England bowler conceded over 70 runs in their 10-over allocation. Sam Curran proved the most expensive, leaking 103 runs in nine overs. Overton finished with figures of 77 runs from his full 10 overs and claimed just one wicket—Fernando, caught and bowled.
Overton’s performance attracted criticism on social media. User @LOFC_Dan posted: “Good to see @JamieOverton is showing why he’s picked again. #joke.” Instead of dismissing the comment, Overton responded directly from his @JamieOverton account on October 22, 2026: “Thanks Dan “. The critic’s tone immediately shifted, replying: “No worries mate. Always next game.”
Harry Brook had provided England ample reason to anticipate a comfortable victory. The England captain struck a double century from just 114 balls, becoming the first English batter to record an ODI double hundred and setting the fastest double century in the format. In the process, Brook surpassed the record previously held by India captain Shubman Gill and exceeded Ben Stokes’ highest individual ODI score for England. His innings propelled England to a total of 429 runs.
Sri Lanka’s Remarkable Run Chase at Rawalpindi
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a calamitous start as the visitors slumped to 24-2. Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake then forged a 166-run third-wicket partnership to steady the innings. Fernando contributed 97 before his dismissal, while Rathnayake reached his century off 87 balls and was eventually out for 130. Dasun Shanaka maintained pressure on England with 97 from just 50 balls, including eight sixes. Janith Liyanage then struck a fifty from 21 balls to bring Sri Lanka within reach of the target.
England briefly threatened a comeback in the final over when Josh Tongue dismissed Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga on consecutive deliveries, leaving Sri Lanka requiring six runs from the final two balls. Liyanage, however, struck a six off the penultimate delivery to secure a famous victory for Sri Lanka. The result marked England’s second consecutive defeat in the tri-series, casting serious doubt on their hopes of reaching the final on October 31. The remaining fixtures, including the final, are scheduled to take place in Lahore.
