Dubai: Harry Brook smashed the fastest double century in ODI history, scoring 202 off 116 balls to power England to 429 for four against Sri Lanka in the ongoing tri-series in Pakistan on Thursday.
The England captain reached the 200-run mark in just 114 balls, breaking the record set by India captain Shubman Gill, who scored his double century in 117 deliveries against the West Indies last month.
Brook’s innings featured 21 fours and 10 sixes as he dismantled the Sri Lankan bowling attack in Rawalpindi. He became the first England batter to score a double century in the 50-over format, surpassing Ben Stokes’ previous national record of 182 against New Zealand in 2019.
Brook was particularly destructive against Eshan Malinga, taking 43 runs off the Sri Lankan bowler as England accelerated towards a formidable total.
The 27-year-old eventually departed for 202 when he was caught by Sahan Arachchige off Janith Liyanage’s bowling, ending an innings that rewrote the ODI record books.
Gill had only recently claimed the record with his unbeaten 223 against the West Indies in Guwahati, reaching his double century in 117 balls during India’s successful chase of 406.
However, Brook’s explosive innings has pushed the benchmark even higher, underlining the increasingly aggressive approach adopted by batters in modern ODI cricket.
England’s total of 429 for four leaves Sri Lanka facing a daunting chase as they attempt to respond to Brook’s record-breaking performance.