England captain Harry Brook produced a stunning unbeaten century as England thrashed Sri Lanka by 119 runs in the first T20I at Southampton on Tuesday. The victory gave England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Brook smashed an unbeaten 114 off just 42 balls, including eight fours and six sixes, while former captain Jos Buttler added a rapid 80. The pair shared a 128-run partnership from only 60 deliveries to help England post a massive 254/4.
Brook’s century was his second in T20 internationals and England’s joint second-fastest in the format. He also hit six boundaries off Dunith Wellalage in an over that cost Sri Lanka 30 runs.
Chasing 255, Sri Lanka never threatened to challenge the target and were bowled out for 135. Sonny Baker starred with the ball on his Hampshire home ground, claiming a career-best 3/12 in four overs and taking his first white-ball international wickets.
Will Jacks and England’s bowlers kept Sri Lanka under constant pressure after Pathum Nissanka fell early.
Brook described England’s performance as “near-perfect”, while Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka admitted his team had a “tough day”.