Harry Brook Joins Elite Club with Historic Double Century Against Sri Lanka
Brook's Remarkable Achievement
In a stunning display of batting, England's white-ball captain Harry Brook made history by scoring a remarkable double century in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Thursday. His innings of 202 runs off just 116 balls, featuring 21 fours and 10 sixes, marks him as England's first player to achieve this feat in ODIs.
Brook's explosive performance not only set a new record for England but also allowed him to eclipse Indian cricketer Shubman Gill's previous record for the fastest ODI double century, which he reached in a mere 114 balls.
With this achievement, Brook has now joined the ranks of West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle, who is known for his triple century in Tests, an ODI double century, and a T20I century.
Gayle's impressive records include two Test triple tons, with his highest score being 333 against Sri Lanka in 2010 and 317 against South Africa in 2005. He also scored an ODI double century of 215 runs against Zimbabwe during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, along with two T20I centuries.
Brook's journey includes a triple century against Pakistan in Multan in October 2024, and now, with his first ODI double century, he stands alongside Gayle in this exclusive club.
Throughout his ODI career, Brook has played 46 matches, accumulating 1,737 runs at an average of 41.35, which includes four centuries and eight fifties.
In terms of international cricket, Brook has surpassed 7,000 runs, achieving this milestone in 158 matches with a total of 7,049 runs at an average of 44.89 and a strike rate exceeding 103, including 16 centuries and 36 fifties, with a top score of 317.
Brook has shown a particular affinity for batting in Pakistan, amassing 1,333 runs in 18 matches at an impressive average of 74.05 and a strike rate of 108.19, which includes five centuries and two fifties, with his highest score being 317 in Tests.
This year alone, Brook has excelled in ODIs, scoring 567 runs in 11 matches at an average of 56.70 and a strike rate of 126.56, featuring two centuries and two fifties.
Leading the international run charts this year, Brook has scored 1,815 runs in 37 ODIs at an average of 50.41 and a strike rate of 122.63, including four centuries and 11 fifties.
In the match against Sri Lanka, England batted first, establishing a solid 74-run opening partnership between Tom Banton, who scored 50 off 51 balls, and Ben Duckett, who added 29 runs. After their dismissals, England found themselves at 85/2.
Brook and Joe Root then formed a formidable partnership, adding 159 runs together, with Root contributing 69 runs off 66 balls. This match also marked a milestone for Root, as he became the first English player to reach 8,000 ODI runs, currently standing at 8,005 runs from 197 matches at an average of 50.66, including 20 centuries and 49 fifties.
England concluded their innings at a staggering 429/4, bolstered by a late surge from Will Jacks, who scored an unbeaten 66 runs off just 30 balls.
For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 56 runs, while Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka struggled, conceding 91 and 89 runs respectively in their 10-over spells. Dasun Shanaka also faced a tough outing, giving away 74 runs in six overs.