Harry Brook delivered a commanding batting display as England dominated Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday. Brook’s century came off just 42 balls, marking the joint second-fastest T20 hundred for England, a feat that underpinned England’s imposing total of 254 for four wickets.

Brook’s aggressive innings included 114 not out from 49 balls, featuring a series of powerful boundaries and sixes, notably a 30-run fifth over off left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, which featured three sixes and three fours. His innings equaled Liam Livingstone’s record-fast England T20 century and remained just behind Phil Salt’s 39-ball hundred against South Africa last year.

Jos Buttler also contributed significantly with 80 runs from 44 balls, as the pair orchestrated an attacking partnership that effectively decided the match early on. England’s batting was bolstered by strong contributions and included 12 sixes in total, emphasizing the team’s dominance in the limited-overs format.

Brook credited advice from England’s new specialist mentor, Kevin Pietersen, for his recent form. “I’ve already had some good conversations with Kevin and I’m looking forward to working with him more,” Brook said, acknowledging the positive impact Pietersen’s guidance has had on his game. This performance followed Brook’s involvement in the recent Test series against Pakistan, where he faced some criticism for his lack of big scores, but he said he was pleased to take full advantage of the opportunity in this match.

Former England captain Ben Stokes praised Brook’s talent on social media, calling him a “freak” of batting ability and urged fans and critics alike to appreciate his skill regardless of occasional failures. Stokes’ comments highlight the ongoing debate around Brook’s aggressive playing style, especially in contrasting formats such as T20 and Test cricket.

England’s innings began with debutant Aneurin Donald hitting early boundaries before falling at mid-on. Buttler dominated the early strike but was eventually dismissed at deep cover. Other England batsmen including Tom Banton and Will Jacks contributed with boundaries and sixes, though both fell to catches at long-on and long-off respectively.

Sri Lanka’s chase was never really competitive as fast bowler Sonny Baker delivered an outstanding performance, claiming three wickets for 12 runs in his four overs, applying early and sustained pressure on the visitors.

This emphatic victory marked a strong start to England’s T20 series against Sri Lanka and reinforced the home side’s powerful batting lineup, led by Brook and Buttler’s form at the Utilita Bowl—where they previously produced a 233-run partnership against India in July. England’s performance underscored their depth and firepower in the white-ball format as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures.