Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq came into form ahead of the World Cup with a century against England in the third one-day international at Bristol on Tuesday.
The left-hander watched wickets fall at the other end as Pakistan declined to 95 for three after losing the toss but kept his composure to complete a 97-ball hundred including 11 fours It was the 23-year-old’s sixth hundred in 27 matches at this level and first against England, the top-ranked side in ODI cricket.
Imam, the nephew of Pakistan batting great and selection chief Inzamam-ul-Haq, continued to take the attack to England after reaching three figures, driving David Willey for a straight six and next ball glancing the left-arm quick for four.
His innings was a boost for Pakistan just weeks away from the start of the World Cup in England.
Victory in Bristol would see Pakistan level this five-match series at 1-1 following England’s 12-run win in the second ODI at Southampton on Saturday — the opening fixture was a no-result washout.
Line-ups
England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Eoin Morgan (capt), Joe Denly, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Tom Curran, Liam Plunkett
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt/wkt), Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi
