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Harry Brook's Record 136* Powers England to Series Win Over Sri Lanka

Harry Brook blasted an unbeaten 136 off 66 balls, setting the record for the highest individual score by a non-Asian batter in ODIs in Sri Lanka. His whirlwind century, reached in 57 balls, powered England to a formidable total of 357 for 3 in the series decider. In the same match, Joe Root scored 111* and surpassed West Indies legend Brian Lara to become the eighth-highest run-scorer in international cricket history. England's commanding total put Sri Lanka under immense pressure in the crucial series finale.

Key Points: Harry Brook Hits Record 136* in ODI vs Sri Lanka

  • Brook's 136* is highest by non-Asian in SL
  • Century in just 57 balls
  • Joe Root passes Brian Lara's run tally
  • England posts 357/3 in decider
  • Brook finishes series with 192 runs
2 min read

Harry Brook creates record with unbeaten 136 in Sri Lanka series

Harry Brook smashes record 136* vs Sri Lanka, while Joe Root surpasses Brian Lara in all-time international runs. England posts 357/3 in series decider.

"produced a breathtaking knock to register the highest individual score by a non-Asian batter in ODIs against Sri Lanka on their home turf - ESPNcricinfo"

Colombo, January 27

England's white-ball skipper Harry Brook produced a breathtaking knock to register the highest individual score by a non-Asian batter in ODIs against Sri Lanka on their home turf, slamming an unbeaten 136 during the third match of the ongoing bilateral series at the R Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.

Brook walked in at number five and launched a stunning counter-attack, reaching his third ODI century in just 57 balls. His explosive innings came off only 66 deliveries and featured nine towering sixes and 11 fours, leaving the Sri Lankan bowlers with little answer to his power-hitting.

With this effort, Brook surpassed South Africa's Quentin de Kock, who had scored 128 in Hambantota in 2014.

The overall highest individual score against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka remains with Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran, who struck 162 in November 2022, also the highest ODI score by an Afghan batter.

Brook's century was the fourth-fastest ODI hundred against Sri Lanka and joint-sixth fastest by an Englishman, equalling former captain Eoin Morgan's feat, according to ESPNcricinfo. The knock was also Brook's career-best in ODIs.

Across 38 ODI matches, Brook has now amassed 1,354 runs at an impressive average of 39.82 and a strike rate of 105.28. Playing his maiden ODI series against Sri Lanka, he finished with 192 runs.

Meanwhile, England stalwart Joe Root (111 not out off 108 balls) achieved a significant milestone during the match, becoming the eighth-highest run-getter in international cricket history. Root surpassed West Indies legend Brian Lara, who had accumulated 22,358 runs across formats.

Root now has 22,413 runs from 384 matches and 506 innings, averaging 49.69, with 61 centuries and 116 half-centuries to his name. He trails only legends such as Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Mahela Jayawardene, Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time list.

Powered by Brook's fireworks and solid contributions from Joe Root and Jacob Bethell (65), England posted a formidable total of 357 for 3 in their 50 overs, putting Sri Lanka under immense pressure in the series decider.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Congratulations to Joe Root as well! Surpassing Brian Lara is no small feat. The company he's in now – Dravid, Sachin, Kohli, Ponting – is the absolute elite. A modern-day great for sure.
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Aman W
Great innings, but let's be honest, the Sri Lankan bowling attack isn't what it used to be. Malinga, Muralitharan era is long gone. Would be interesting to see Brook face Bumrah or Shami on a spicy pitch.
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Sarah B
The record for highest score is still with an Afghan batter (Ibrahim Zadran, 162). Shows how the game is growing globally. Good for cricket!
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Vikram M
Strike rate of 105+ in ODIs after 38 matches is very impressive. England's batting philosophy is all about aggression, and players like Brook are perfect for it. Our Indian team needs to find this kind of fearless hitter in the middle order.
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Kriti O
Nine sixes! Must have been amazing to watch live. Hope he brings this form to the IPL next season. Entertainment guaranteed 🎆

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