Mind-boggling stats as England make mockery of Pakistan’s target

In the third ODI of the 5-match series between England and Pakistan in Bristol, the hosts were in brutal form with the bat. England made a complete mockery of the huge target of 359 set by Pakistan, chasing it down in only 44.5 overs. The openers – Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy were the key protagonists of the big victory, with their opening stand of 159 setting up England brilliantly for the run-chase.

The win has ensured that England will not lose the series, taking a 2-0 lead, with two ODIs remaining. The contest was also memorable as many records were created with the batsmen making merry in friendly conditions.

Here we take a look at them:

Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy create history

Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy are already England’s most successful opening pair in ODI history. Yes, you heard that right! Bairstow scored a blistering century and Roy chipped in with a quick-fire half-century in their opening stand of 159. They have achieved this feat despite batting together in only 26 innings. The pair have scored 1675 runs at a brilliant average of 64.42. They have seven 100-run, as well as seven 50-run opening stands together. How Bairstow and Roy perform at the top will undoubtedly be a key factor in England’s performance at the upcoming World Cup.

Imam-ul-Haq joins the pantheon of greats!

Imam-ul-Haq has certainly made an impression at the start of his career for Pakistan. In Imam, the team has found a highly consistent batter at the top of the order, who more often than not, gets the team off to a steady start. In the 27 matches he has played so far, Imam has already managed to score 1381 runs with 6 centuries and 5 half-centuries. His brilliant knock of 151 in Bristol took his career average over 60 in ODI cricket. In fact, his average of 60.04 is the second highest in the history of the game (minimum 1000 runs), only trailing Ryan ten Doeschate of Netherlands, who averages 67. Though his career is still in its infancy, Imam has shown all the signs that he could truly become a great of Pakistan cricket.

England’s second-highest run chase

The run chase of 359 was the second-highest in England’s history. Such has been the brilliance of their batting department in the past couple of seasons, that both their highest chases have come in the year 2019. England’s highest run chase remains the 364 which they hunted down at Bridgetown in Barbados in February 2019 against the Windies. These scores though, are still not England’s highest second innings total’s in an ODI game. Their highest scores are 366/8, 365/9 and 365 all-out, which all came in losing causes.