Harry Brook produced an innings for the ages, becoming only the second cricketer after West Indies legend Chris Gayle to score a triple-century in Tests, a double-century in ODIs and a century in T20Is. However, the England captain’s historic achievement ended in heartbreak as Sri Lanka pulled off a stunning chase of 430 runs to win the ODI tri-series encounter by two wickets with one ball to spare in Rawalpindi.Brook smashed 202 off just 116 balls, including 21 fours and 10 sixes, to become the first English batter to score an ODI double-century. He reached the landmark in only 114 deliveries, breaking the record for the fastest double-century in men’s ODI cricket. His breathtaking knock propelled England to a formidable 429/4, but even that proved insufficient against a determined Sri Lankan batting unit.
Brook joins Gayle in elite multi-format club
Brook’s extraordinary innings completed a rare international cricket milestone. The 27-year-old had previously scored 317 against Pakistan in a Test match at Multan in October 2024 and registered a T20I century, including an unbeaten 114 against Sri Lanka in September 2026. His 202 against Sri Lanka added the ODI double-century to that remarkable list.Gayle had long been the only player to achieve the feat, having scored 317 against South Africa and 333 against Sri Lanka in Test cricket, 215 against Zimbabwe in ODIs and 117 against South Africa in a T20I.
Fastest ODI double-century and first for England
Brook’s 202 was historic on several fronts. He became England’s first-ever men’s ODI double-centurion, surpassing Ben Stokes’ previous national record of 182 against New Zealand in 2023.He reached 200 off 114 balls, three deliveries faster than the previous record of 117. Brook’s innings gathered momentum after a measured start, with the England captain accelerating through the middle and death overs to dismantle Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.He also shared a 159-run partnership with Joe Root, who scored 69, before combining with Will Jacks for a rapid stand that helped England add 156 runs in the final 10 overs. Jacks remained unbeaten on 66 off 30 balls as England posted 429/4.
Sri Lanka pull off historic chase to spoil Brook’s night
Despite Brook’s record-breaking effort, Sri Lanka produced a remarkable response to complete the second-highest successful run chase in men’s ODI history.Pavan Rathnayake led the pursuit with a superb 130, while Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka both scored 97. Janith Liyanage then struck the decisive blow with a six in the final over, finishing unbeaten on 61 as Sri Lanka reached 430/8 with one ball remaining.
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