Root missed out on a deserved century once again, but a brutal Buttler struck back-to-back sixes off Mohammad Nawaz (1-62) and another four in a Shaoib Malik (0-44) over which cost 26 runs to add England’s quickest ODI half-century to his national record for the fastest ton in 50-over cricket set against Pakistan in November.
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The hosts passed their previous highest total of 9-408, made against New Zealand a year ago, while captain Morgan got to his half-century off 24 deliveries as he and Buttler shared an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 161.
But the last ball of the innings saw Buttler, the standard bearer for Englands dynamic approach to ODI cricket following their woeful first-round exit at last years World Cup, thrash Hasan over extra-cover for four to the delight of a capacity crowd of more than 17,000.
Alex Hales’ fourth one-day century was brought up from 83 deliveries but still Hales accelerated as he launched Hasan over midwicket to break Smith’s 23-year record.
“To get the record there with the last ball was unbelievable”.
The record total was just one of many records that tumbled in an extraordinary match featuring ideal batting conditions and some wayward bowling and fielding as Pakistan wilted under England’s onslaught.
Left-arm-pacer Wahab Riaz was the most expensive of the Pakistani bowlers as he leaked 110 runs from his quota of 10 overs as every host bowler went for runs.
Pakistan suffered an embarrassing 169-run defeat in the third ODI, losing the five-match series 3-0.
59 Boundaries hit by England in their innings – joint-most in an ODI innings – 43 fours and 16 sixes. Riaz also managed to take wickets from two no-balls, including Hales when he was on a mere 72.
Pakistan captain Azhar Ali said: “Exceptional innings from Alex Hales and Jos Buttler”.
Root played the anchor role with assurety and composure, knocking the ball around for a rock-solid 85 off 86 balls, allowing the explosive Hales to take centre-stage.
Hales had hit 22 fours and four sixes from 122 balls to help put England in an outstanding position to wrap up the Royal London Series.
Pakistan, in reply, were bowled out for 275 in 42.4 overs with paceman Chris Woakes the chief destroyer, taking 4-41.
However, that honour was shared by two men at Trent Bridge – Sharjeel Khan, who is 9/2 to repeat the feat. and Mohammad Amir, who clubbed a remarkable 58 from 28 balls despite coming in at No.11. However, Woakes returned and wrapped up the innings by having Amir caught off his own bowling.
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Jos Buttler then blasted the fastest ODI half-century by an Englishman with a 22-ball 50.
