Alex Hales’ all-time national-record 171 – bettering Robin Smith’s 167 not out 23 years ago – England’s world-best 444 for three and Jos Buttler’s new mark for this country’s fastest one-day worldwide 50 from just 22 balls all naturally overshadowed Woakes’ commendable efforts.
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An historic batting display led by Alex Hales saw England’s cricket team set a new record for Highest team score in a One-Day International (male) against Pakistan yesterday.
A FINE fifth-wicket partnership of 103 between Yorkshire’s Jonny Bairstow and Durham’s Ben Stokes helped England secure a fourth successive one-day global victory over Pakistan, in front of a 15,823 sell-out crowd at Headingley.
England eased past Pakistan in the 3rd ODI, clinching the series with 2 games to spare.
Moeen Ali, 45 not out, hit a winning six off Pakistan captain Azhar Ali as England posted 252-6 at Headingley.
He scored 90 runs from 51 balls, which included seven fours and seven sixes, and in the process Buttler also became the fastest Englishman to reach a half-century, off just 22 balls.
Captain Eoin Morgan can also call on the experience of prolific batsman Joe Root, who is named in the squad alongside all-rounder Moeen Ali and Alex Hales.
When Azhar was out, Pakistan – already 3-0 down in the five-match series – were 169 for six off 38 overs and in danger of failing to bat out their full 50 in this day/night fixture.
Jason Roy, Hales’s opening partner had gone close to breaking Smith’s record with 162 against Sri Lanka at The Oval – his home ground – in June.
Sami Aslam skied a second catch to Stokes, this time at deep midwicket off Liam Plunkett, but Azhar dug in for a 62-ball 50.
Pakistan haven’t been atrocious, and you wouldn’t think they will go worse than the last match, particularly with the ball, but it isn’t going to improve to the point where they will pick up a win.
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.
It is expected that in fourth ODI, Muhammad Irfan will replace Wahab Riaz who conceded 110 runs in his 10 overs at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
Joe Root (85) and captain Eoin Morgan (57 not out) also joined England’s run rampage at Trent Bridge against some sloppy Pakistan bowling and fielding, with Wahab Riaz (0-110) going for the second worst ever bowling figures in a limited-overs global.
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Chris Woakes, the England fast bowler, has admitted the players “have to pinch ourselves” after the dramatic turnaround in their one-day fortunes over the previous year.
