Cricket fans took to social media after England captain Harry Brook’s record-breaking double century went in vain as Sri Lanka pulled off a thrilling two-wicket victory in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
Brook smashed the fastest double century in men’s ODI cricket, reaching the milestone in just 114 balls, but Sri Lanka chased down England’s target of 430 with one ball remaining to complete the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history.
The England captain’s remarkable innings sparked admiration among fans, but the defeat overshadowed his individual achievement, prompting mixed reactions online.
“A double century to remember, but the result will always hurt,” one fan wrote, capturing the disappointment surrounding Brook’s effort.
Another comment read, “He didn’t sleep last night,” while another supporter offered encouragement, writing, “Come on Harry you did your best.”
Some fans disagreed with the suggestion that the record had lost its significance because England lost the match.
“You’re wrong Brook, still it matters,” one person commented, while another described his reaction as “a winners mentality.”
One fan summed up the emotions behind the defeat, saying, “pain behind this smile.”
Brook scored 202 runs off 116 balls, including 21 fours and 10 sixes, to become the first England batter to register an ODI double century. He also surpassed Ben Stokes’ previous record of 182 for England’s highest individual score in the format.
Despite posting an imposing 429 for four, England could not stop Sri Lanka’s remarkable chase. Pavan Rathnayake scored 130, while Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka contributed 97 each. Janith Liyanage then struck an unbeaten 61 off just 27 balls to guide Sri Lanka home in the final over.
Speaking after the match, Brook admitted that his record-breaking innings offered little consolation following the defeat.
“Yeah, it’s nice. But unfortunately, it doesn’t mean anything now, being on the losing side. It has no value whatsoever in my eyes,” he stated.
Brook also praised Sri Lanka’s performance and acknowledged England’s shortcomings with the ball, saying his team needed to return to the drawing board after losing their first two matches of the tri-series.
