Imam-ul-Haq breaks 36-year-old record of former Indian captain Kapil Dev

LONDON: Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq  has broken 36-year-old record as he smashed 151 runs off 131 balls in the third One-day International here at Bristol on Tuesday, becoming the youngest player to score more than 150 runs  at the age of 23  in England.

Imam entered the  book by breaking Kapil Dev's record as the former Indian captain had scored 175 runs against Zimbabwe at the age of 24  in 1983.

The left-arm batsman took the advantage of a true pitch, small boundaries and a fast outfield to make 151 from 131 balls – the highest ODI score by a Pakistan player against England and fifth-best in the country’s history. He struck 16 fours and a six.

Imam-ul-Haq’s brilliant knock of 151 off 97 balls helped Pakistan to set a huge target of 359 for England.

England chased down a score of 360 runs for four  four wickets in 45 overs to take 2-0 lead in a five-match series. It is England´s second highest winning total batting second in an ODI.

Both openers JJ Roy and JM Bairstow provided England an impressive start as they contributed 159 runs for the first-wicket stand. Bairstow scored 128 off 93 balls.