England captain Harry Brook created history by smashing a sensational double century off just 114 balls against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, recording the fastest double hundred in the 55-year history of One-Day International (ODI) cricket. His extraordinary knock powered England to a massive total of 429 for 4.
Harry Brook delivered a breathtaking performance against Sri Lanka, becoming the first England batter to score a double century in ODI cricket. The England captain reached the landmark in just 114 deliveries, setting a new record for the fastest double century in the format.
England finished their innings at 429 for 4, registering their highest-ever ODI total in Pakistan and the highest score Sri Lanka have ever conceded in the format.
Brook smashed 202 runs, combining spectacular stroke play with remarkable acceleration. His innings featured a series of audacious scoops, reverse-scoops, pick-up shots and powerful drives that left the Sri Lankan bowlers struggling for answers.
Brook's Record-Breaking Knock
Brook initially found it difficult to settle, scoring just 13 runs off his first 24 deliveries. However, he soon shifted gears, launching consecutive sixes against Kamindu Mendis and taking control of the innings.
He reached his century off 75 balls before accelerating further in the latter stages. Brook built a crucial 159-run partnership with Joe Root, who contributed 69, before joining forces with Will Jacks for another explosive stand worth 185 runs.
Brook eventually surpassed Ben Stokes' previous England ODI record of 182, smashing a six over square leg off Dilshan Madushanka. He then completed his historic double century with a boundary off Janith Liyanage in the final over, bringing up 200 in just 114 balls.
The England captain was dismissed for 202 on the final delivery of the innings, having dominated the Sri Lankan attack throughout his stay at the crease.
Will Jacks Provides Explosive Support
Will Jacks played a vital supporting role, scoring an unbeaten 66 off just 35 balls. Promoted ahead of Sam Curran and Jordan Cox, Jacks made full use of the opportunity and reached his half-century in only 25 deliveries.
His aggressive batting ensured England maintained their momentum during the final overs, while Brook continued to rewrite the record books.
Tom Banton also contributed with a quickfire 50, marking his fourth consecutive half-century. However, he was dismissed shortly after reaching the milestone, caught at long-on off Dunith Wellalage.
Ben Duckett added 29 before being trapped leg-before-wicket by Wellalage, but England recovered quickly through the middle order.
Brook Joins Chris Gayle in Elite All-Format Club
Brook's remarkable achievement also placed him in an exclusive category of international cricket. He became only the second player, after West Indies legend Chris Gayle, to complete the all-format '3-2-1' milestone: a triple century in Test cricket, a double century in ODIs and a century in T20 internationals.
After spending around two-and-a-half hours at the crease in the afternoon heat, Brook looked exhausted as he acknowledged a standing ovation from his teammates in the England dressing room.
Sri Lanka's Bowling Struggles Prove Costly
Sri Lanka struggled to contain England's aggressive batting, particularly during the middle overs. Their lack of a fifth frontline bowling option proved costly, with the part-time bowlers conceding heavily as Brook and Jacks attacked relentlessly.
Despite receiving an early reprieve when Avishka Fernando dropped him at mid-off, Brook made Sri Lanka pay dearly for the missed opportunity.
England's commanding total of 429 for 4 was built on Brook's historic innings, supported by valuable contributions from Root, Jacks and Banton.
Brook's extraordinary performance not only secured his place in ODI history but also underlined England's formidable batting firepower, leaving Sri Lanka with a daunting challenge in their pursuit of victory.