England opener Alex Hales said Saturday he hoped his century in the second match would spur his team to a series win over Pakistan, saying it was a special feeling to contribute to the convincing victory in which the tourists finally overcame the hosts’ spin threat.
Hales hit 109 for his maiden hundred to guide England to a challenging 283-5 in Abu Dhabi on Friday before pacemen Chris Woakes (4-33) and David Willey (3-25) helped skittle Pakistan out for 188 for a 95-run win.
Hales targetted the Pakistan spinners during his effort, picking up 36 runs from 28 balls against Yasir Shah. He smacked the legspinner, who returned figures of 9-70-0, for two huge sixes and as many boundaries.
That helped England to level the series at 1-1 after losing the first game also in Abu Dhabi by six wickets.
Hales said England were focused on winning the four-match series, with the third game in Sharjah on Tuesday followed by the final match in Dubai on Friday.
“All that’s in my mind now is trying to win these two games, and this series, against Pakistan,” said Hales, whose previous best of 67 came against New Zealand at home in June this year.
Hales said scoring a hundred gave him a special feeling.
“This is a very special feeling, and something I’ll remember for a long time – and it’s also given us a chance as a team to win this series in tough conditions.”
Hales said he was disappointed after a poor show against Australia at home in September, scoring just 53 in the 3-2 loss.
“I was obviously very disappointed with how the Australia series went and coming over here, being part of the Test squad, was a new challenge for me,” said Hales who was not played in England’s preceding 2-0 Test defeat against Pakistan.
“I’ve had a good five, six weeks – getting used to conditions, with a lot of time in the nets against spin and I’m pleased to get some rewards tonight.”
After his latest century, Hales expects to play in Tests on England’s next month’s tour of South Africa.
“That’s something I’m trying hard not to think about. That tour is a different series, a different format against a different country.”
Pakistan captain Azhar Ali said his team did not relax after a 1-0 lead.
“We did not relax,” said Azhar.
“We stressed over not getting complacent and although we restricted them as they were in sight of 330 plus we then did not bat as per the plans. Azhar said his team would fight back.”
“We are capable of winning the series and I am sure that the boys will do their best to fight back as we want to win this series,” said Azhar.