Harry Brook hammers 78 vs NZ, completes 1,000 T20I runs
What's the story
Harry Brook played a terrific knock in the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on October 20. Coming in to bat after Jacob Bethell's dismissal, Brook took charge of the innings and delivered an explosive performance. He scored his fifth T20I 50 off just 22 balls, the second-fastest half-century by an England captain in this format. Brook, who recorded 78 runs in the game, also went past 1,000 T20I runs during his stay.
Record-breaking feat
Brook only behind Morgan on this list
Brook reached his 50 with a single off the last ball of the 14th over. As mentioned, he took just 22 balls. As per ESPNcricinfo, this made him the second-fastest England captain to score a T20I 50, behind Eoin Morgan, who had achieved 21-ball fifties twice while leading the Brits. After his record-breaking fifty, Brook kept scoring quickly but was eventually dismissed for 78 runs off 35 balls. Notably, this was his maiden T20I fifty as a captain.
Innings summary
Brook and Salt power England to a strong total
Brook's dismissal came when Kyle Jamieson caught him at deep mid-wicket, ending a brilliant 129-run partnership with Phil Salt. Salt also played a key innings, scoring 85 off 56 balls. Despite a shaky start with Jos Buttler getting out for just four runs in the second over, Brook and Salt's second-wicket partnership helped England post an impressive total of 236/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Jacob Bethell (24 off 12) and Tom Banton (29* off 12) also played solid cameos.
Stats
1,000 T20I runs for Brook
Brook's 78 came off 35 balls as he hammered six fours and five sixes. This knock took his T20I tally past 1,000 runs (now 1,012) across 51 games. His runs have come at an average of 30.66 as his strike rate is 151.72. This was his fifth T20I fifty, and a maiden one while leading the team. 227 of his runs have come vs NZ at 37.83 (50s: 2).