Harry Brook smashes fastest ODI double century

Harry Brook shattered the record for the fastest double century in One Day International (ODI) cricket history with an unbeaten 202 in just 116 balls while leading England to a monumental total of 429-4 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Thursday. This remarkable feat also earned Brook the distinction of being the first Englishman to score a double century in an ODI.

Brook's explosive innings included 10 sixes and 21 fours, setting a new benchmark for rapid ODI scoring in Pakistan. The captain reached the crucial milestone of 200 runs in just 114 balls, surpassing the previous record holder, Shubman Gill, who had achieved the feat in 117 balls during India's match against the West Indies a month prior.

The monumental chase saw a stellar performance from Joe Root, who contributed 69 runs off 66 balls, making him the first England player to reach the 8,000-run mark in his 197th ODI appearance. Brook was ultimately dismissed off the penultimate ball, caught by Janith Liyanage, but his century had already propelled England to a record-breaking total, with a commendable 156-run surge in the final ten overs.

Opener Tom Banton and Will Jacks provided solid support, adding 50 and 66 runs respectively, while the day's star was undoubtedly Brook, who combined with Root to form an influential fourth-wicket partnership totaling 185 runs, culminating a day of cricketing history. The previous highest ODI total at a venue in Pakistan was a mere 375-3, set by the home team against Zimbabwe in Lahore in 2015.