Brook’s historic innings concluded at 202 runs from 116 deliveries, an onslaught that featured 21 fours and 10 sixes. His performance was the driving force behind England’s formidable total of 429/4, which stands as the highest ODI score ever recorded by any team on Pakistani soil. The visitors were particularly destructive in the second half of their innings, accumulating 296 runs in the final 25 overs.
A Dominant Team Performance
The foundation for England’s massive total was laid by openers Tom Banton and Ben Duckett, who provided a steady start before Banton went on to register a half-century. Following the initial platform, Joe Root joined Brook to forge a pivotal 159-run partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in England’s favour. Root contributed a composed 69 off 66 balls, providing the necessary stability while Brook began his acceleration.
As the innings progressed, Will Jacks maintained the high scoring rate, smashing 66 runs from just 30 balls. The collective effort ensured that the pressure remained squarely on the Sri Lankan bowling attack throughout the day. Dunith Wellalage emerged as the most effective bowler for Sri Lanka, claiming 2/56, while Asitha Fernando took 1/68. However, the remainder of the bowling unit struggled to contain the English batters, with no other bowler managing an economy rate below eight runs per over.
Setting New Standards
Brook’s achievement marks the first time an England player has reached a double century in the ODI format. By reaching the milestone in 114 balls, he now sits at the top of the list for the fastest ODI double hundreds, ahead of Shubman Gill (117 balls), Ishan Kishan (126 balls), Glenn Maxwell (128 balls), and Pathum Nissanka (136 balls). The innings has left Sri Lanka facing a daunting challenge as they look to chase down the mammoth target in this tri-series encounter.
