2nd ODI PAK V ENG

ENG 283/5 bt PAK 188 by 95 runs

England have levelled their one-day international series against Pakistan by romping to a 95-run victory in Abu Dhabi. Trevor Bayliss's side suffered a damaging six-wicket defeat in the first ODI on Wednesday, but they responded in fine fashion today. Alex Hales reached a career milestone by claiming his first ever ODI century for England, top-scoring in their innings with 109 off 117 balls. 

Joe Root also contributed with a knock of 63, while Jason Roy and captain Eoin Morgan posted 54 and 29 respectively to help England reach 283-5 after 50 overs. Pakistan went into bat with an achievable targetl, but they were dealt an early blow when Babar Azam was trapped lbw by David Willey inside three overs. Azam was sent back to the pavilion on just four runs, while Mohammad Hafeez, who was instrumental in Pakistan's victory in midweek, went out for a duck when he was caught behind by Jos Buttler off Willey's delivery.

Chris Woakes began dominating the field as he claimed figures of 3-15 by dismissing Iftikhar Ahmed (5), Shoaib Malik (15) and Azhar Ali (22). After Adil Rashid dismissed Mohammad Rizwan for 17, Pakistan managed to calm the storm with Sarfraz Ahmed and Anwar Ali passing the 100-run mark, but their partnership was broken by Moeen Ali. The Englishman dismissed Ali for 23, and Wahab Riaz (5) and Ahmed (64) shortly followed, leaving Pakistan on 181-9, needing 103 runs with one wicket and 30 balls remaining. 

It was just a matter of time for England as they wrapped up the clash, leaving Pakistan all out on 188. 


ENG inns report

Alex Hales scored his first-ever one-day international century as England set Pakistan a target of 284 to win the second match in Abu Dhabi. 

England lost quick wickets on their way to a heavy defeat in the first contest, but it was the opposite today as their innings was built on solid partnerships. The opening duo of Hales and Jason Roy made 102 together before Roy chipped a Wahab Riaz delivery to Shoaib Malik at mid-on after making 54 off 57 balls. 

Joe Root was next in and he and Hales put on another three-figure partnership, which was ended when Hales was stumped by Sarfraz Ahmed following a knock of 109. England had given themselves a good chance of surpassing 300 as they entered the final 10 overs on 227-2, but it was Pakistan's bowlers who had the better of the closing stages. 

The pace of Wahab continued to restrict Eoin Morgan and Root, with the latter departing for 63 after being foxed by a slower ball from the paceman. England sent in big-hitter Jos Buttler (11), but he lasted just nine balls before also having his wickets tumbled by a cutting Wahab delivery. 

The tourists were trying to hit everything out of the ground, but they managed just two boundaries in the final five overs as Morgan (29) lost his wicket by chipping Mohammad Irfan delivery to Babar Azam in the deep.