Summary Rawalpindi stadium witnesses its first 400-plus ODI innings
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – England captain Harry Brook on Thursday smashed a record-breaking double century to power his side to 429 for four in 50 overs against Sri Lanka in the third match of the tri-nation ODI series in Rawalpindi.
Brook struck 202 off 116 balls, including 21 fours and 10 sixes, to become the first England batter to score a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His extraordinary innings also set a new record for the fastest double century in ODI cricket, according to the supplied match report.
Sri Lanka won the toss at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and elected to bowl first, but England capitalised on the batting-friendly conditions to pile up a formidable total and set their opponents a target of 430 runs.
Brook dominated the England innings with a powerful display of stroke play, reaching his double century in just 114 balls before being dismissed for 202 off 116 deliveries. His innings featured a combination of boundaries and towering sixes, putting Sri Lanka's bowling attack under sustained pressure.
The England captain's achievement marked a significant milestone for the national side, as he became the first English batter to reach 200 in an ODI. His knock also eclipsed the previous individual benchmark at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Gary Kirsten had scored 188 in 1996.
Will Jacks provided a late surge with an unbeaten 66 off just 30 balls, helping England push their total beyond the 400-run mark. Joe Root contributed 69, while Tom Banton added 50 to strengthen England's position.
The combined effort ensured England finished on 429 for four from their allotted 50 overs, leaving Sri Lanka with a challenging chase in the third fixture of the series.
England's total marked the first time a team had crossed 400 runs in an ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Before this match, Pakistan held the venue's highest ODI team total with 337 runs.
Brook's double century also surpassed Kirsten's previous individual record of 188 at the ground, underlining the scale of England's batting performance as Sri Lanka prepared to begin their pursuit of 430.
