Brook's 42-ball century powers England past Sri Lanka
Harry Brook smashed 114 not out from 49 balls as England thrashed Sri Lanka by 119 runs in the T20I opener.
Captain Harry Brook blitzed an unbeaten 114 from 49 deliveries at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, his first international century in 18 innings since England's World Cup win against Pakistan in February.
Brook's 42-ball ton is England's joint second-fastest in T20Is, built on 10 fours and six sixes. Jos Buttler added 80 from 44 balls in a dominant 254 for 4 after England batted first.
Sri Lanka managed only 135 all out, with Hampshire's Sonny Baker taking 3-12 on his home ground. Kevin Pietersen, England's new white-ball mentor, watched from the sidelines.
The win comes ahead of England's tour of Australia in November and December.
- 114 not out from 49 balls
- Brook's score
- 254 for 4
- England's total
- 135 all out
- Sri Lanka's total
- Utilita Bowl, Southampton
- Venue
Why it mattersBrook's rapid return to form ends a long international drought and signals he could drive England's T20 campaigns ahead of the Australia tour.
AustraliaEngland plays five T20Is against Australia in November and December; Brook's form and Pietersen's fresh insights could shape that series.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 7 d ago
