OTD – Powered by Alex Hales’ brilliant 171, England amassed record 444 against Pakistan in 2016

On this day, seven years ago, star England batter Alex Hales led his team to create history against Pakistan. In the third ODI game of the series, ‘Hales Strom’ struck Nottingham as England posted the highest ODI score of 444/3 against Pakistan. Riding on Alex Hales’s 171-run innings, England posted a world record total against Pakistan.

Going into the game, Pakistan had already lost two matches, and it was a do-or-die game for them. Bowling first, Pakistan never looked into the game as they were thrashed by English batters all around the park. After the early departure of Jason Roy, Joe Root and Alex Hales took charge. Hales, in his innings, struck 22 fours to score 171 runs. He, along with Root, added 248 runs for the second wicket.

Root, in his inning, scored 85 runs off 86 deliveries and was quickly dismissed after Hale’s departure. After their departure, it seemed that Pakistan had made a comeback in the game, but destiny had something else. Their departure opened up the stage for wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler and skipper Eion Morgan.

Jos Buttler smashed an amazing half century to seal the game.

Jos Buttler and Eion Morgan hammered Pakistani bowlers and added 161 runs for the third wicket. Buttler, in his innings, scored 90 runs off 51 balls with the help of seven fours and seven sixes. Meanwhile, Morgan, in his innings, scored 57 runs off 27 balls with the help of three fours and five sixes. Both remained unbeaten and helped England create a world record.

In response, Pakistan scored just 275 runs and lost the game by 169 runs. Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan was the highest run scorer with 58 runs off 30 balls with the help of twelve fours and a six. Apart from him, no other top-order batter looked comfortable against the English bowling line-up and lost the game. For England, pacer Chris Woakes took four wickets. Notably, two years later, England improved this record at the same venue against Australia by scoring 481 runs in an ODI game.