Jamie Overton produced a two-word reply on X that drew more applause than his bowling figures after England suffered a stunning defeat to Sri Lanka in the third match of the ODI Tri-Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 22, 2026. Sri Lanka chased down 430 runs to complete the second-highest run chase in ODI history, leaving England with a second consecutive loss in the tournament.
The defeat was a painful one for England's bowlers. Except for Gus Atkinson, almost every England bowler conceded more than 70 runs in their 10-over quota. Sam Curran was the most expensive, leaking 103 runs in 9 overs. Overton himself went for 77 runs in his full 10 overs, picking up just one wicket, the dismissal of Fernando caught and bowled.
Overton's figures drew criticism on social media. A fan with the X handle @LOFC_Dan posted: "Good to see @JamieOverton is showing why he's picked again. #joke." Rather than ignoring the comment, Overton replied directly with: "Thanks Dan 👍", as posted on his @JamieOverton account on October 22, 2026. The troll's own response softened immediately, with @LOFC_Dan writing back: "No worries mate. Always next game."
Harry Brook had given England every reason to expect a comfortable win. The England captain struck a double century off just 114 balls, becoming the first England batter to score an ODI double hundred and setting the fastest double century in the format. In doing so, Brook broke the record previously held by India captain Shubman Gill and also surpassed Ben Stokes' highest individual score for England in ODIs. Brook's innings powered England to a total of 429 runs.
Sri Lanka's extraordinary run chase at Rawalpindi
Sri Lanka's chase began disastrously, with the visitors slipping to 24-2 early on. Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake then added a 166-run third-wicket partnership to revive the innings. Fernando contributed 97 before being dismissed, while Rathnayake reached his century off 87 balls and was eventually out for 130. Dasun Shanaka kept the pressure on England with 97 off just 50 balls, hitting eight sixes in the process. Janith Liyanage then struck a fifty off 21 balls to bring Sri Lanka to the brink.
England briefly threatened a turnaround in the final over when Josh Tongue bowled Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga on successive deliveries, leaving Sri Lanka needing six runs off the last two balls. Liyanage, however, hit a six off the penultimate ball to seal a famous Sri Lanka victory. The result was England's second straight defeat in the tri-series, putting their bid to reach the final on October 31 in serious doubt. The remaining matches, including the final, are scheduled in Lahore.
