Last Updated on 31 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Harry Brook has set a new record, becoming the first England batter to hit a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His 202 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi is also the fastest-ever double hundred in ODI history, beating Shubman Gill’s record of 117 balls achieved just a few weeks ago against West Indies. Brook reached the mark off 114 balls.
Brook showed no mercy to the Sri Lankan attack in their Tri-Series clash. He smashed 21 fours and 10 sixes as England plundered 156 runs in the final 10 overs to reach 429/4.
The England captain walked in at 85/2 after 16 overs. He combined with Joe Root (69 off 66 balls) for 159 runs in 21.1 overs, setting the scene for a huge finish. Even with that platform – and the absence of a specialist fifth bowler for Sri Lanka – not even the most ardent of England fans could have imagined what would follow.
Harry Brook hits the highest individual score for England in ODIs: 202 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi
Brook went past Ben Stokes’ record of 182, achieved against New Zealand in 2023. The skipper has also enhanced his reputation as the world’s best all-format batter, with his ODI double hundred sitting alongside a Test triple hundred and T20I hundred. Chris Gayle is the only other player to achieve the feat.
No matter where the Sri Lankans bowled, Brook had the answer. He showed off his array of shots all round the wicket, lapping the bowlers at will or bludgeoning them either side of the wicket. Fittingly, he brought up the double century with a lap fine past the keeper, sparking a jubilant reaction from his batting partner Will Jacks.
Jacks was also destructive, hitting an unbeaten 66 off 30 balls. He and brook smashed 185 off 77 balls to take England to a mammoth 429/4.
It was a day to forget for Sri Lanka in the field. Only Dunith Wellalage (2/56) conceded under six runs per over. Asitha Fernando conceded 6.80 in his ten, while no other bowler conceded less than 8.50. Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga conceded 200 in 20 overs between them, while Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage combined for 106 in just eight overs.
Fans and former players online couldn’t believe what they witnessed. “Harry Brook is pound for pound the best player to watch for many many years,” wrote Michael Vaughan on X (formerly Twitter).
“Staggering stuff from Harry Brook – what have we just seen?! Fastest EVER double hundred in ODIs that’s what. Array of shots out of this world,” wrote Allison Mitchell.
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