NOTTINGHAM: England trounced Pakistan by 169 runs in the third one-day international at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, taking an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
The match turned out to be a no-contest as England plundered the Pakistan attack to amass a record-breaking 444-3 in their 50 overs. They broke Sri Lanka’s record tally of 443 against Netherlands in 2006.
Opener Alex Hales overcame his dismal run in the Test series, scoring a scintillating 171 off 122 deliveries to set up the mammoth score. The ever-reliable Joe Root figured in a 248-run second wicket partnership with Hales.
Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler and Eoin Morgan ensured that their side posted a virtually unassailable target, putting up 161 for the fourth wicket.
Pakistan were never really in the hunt in the face of such a formidable score.
They made a valiant effort nevertheless, scoring at well above six runs an over during the first 20 overs. Sharjeel Khan led the chase with a sizzling 58.
But the loss of wickets at regular intervals put them out of contention as five batsmen were back in the pavilion inside 20 overs.
Paceman Mohammad Amir provided some consolation, and thrills, towards the end by playing a cameo innings of 58, studded with four sixes. Three of the sixes came off consecutive balls off Adil Rashid.
England 444-3 in 50 overs (Alex Hales 171, Jos Buttler 90 not out, Joe Root 85; Hasan Ali 2-74).
Pakistan 275 all out in 42.4 overs (Sharjeel Khan 58, Mohammad Amir 58; Chris Woakes 4-41, Adil Rashid 2-73).
Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2016
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