Harry Brook made cricket history on Thursday by scoring the fastest double century in One-Day International history. England’s captain struck 202 runs against Sri Lanka as his team reached 429-4 in Rawalpindi. His remarkable innings also made him the first English batter to score an ODI double century.
Brook reached 200 in just 114 balls, surpassing the previous record held by India’s Shubman Gill. Gill had scored a double century in 117 balls against the West Indies last month. Brook finished with 21 fours and 10 sixes during his record-breaking performance.
Read more: Harry Brook credits PSL for playing key role in his career
England also achieved a major team milestone with their huge total. Their 429-4 became the first 400-plus ODI score by a visiting team in Pakistan. The previous highest ODI total at a Pakistani venue was 375-3, recorded by Pakistan against Zimbabwe in Lahore in 2015.
Joe Root supported Brook with an important contribution of 69 runs from 66 balls. During the innings, Root became the first England batter to reach 8,000 ODI runs. He achieved the milestone in his 197th match in the format.
Earlier, opener Tom Banton provided England with a strong start by scoring 50 off 51 balls. Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66, hitting eight fours and three sixes. His partnership with Brook produced 185 runs for the fourth wicket from just 79 balls.
Read more: Brook ready for England test captaincy if offered
Brook also shared a 159-run partnership with Root for the third wicket. England accelerated sharply during the closing overs, adding 156 runs in the final 10 overs. Brook fell on the last delivery, caught off fast bowler Janith Liyanage.
The commanding total gives England a strong platform in the Rawalpindi tri-series contest. Brook’s record innings combined individual milestones with a powerful team performance. His achievement also placed him ahead of Gill in the race for the fastest ODI double century.