ILT20: Alex Hales becomes first centurion of the tournament; scores 110 runs against Abu Dhabi Knights

Alex Hales yet again exhibited his power hitting abilities in the inaugural ILT20. He is in terrific form in the league after scoring back-back fifties.

He followed it up on Friday, as the England International scored a blistering knock of 110 runs from 59 balls while playing for Desert Vipers against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

Hales scores first century of ILT20

With the help of Hales’ sublime ton, which included 7 fours and 6 sixes, the Vipers posted a huge total of 219/4 on the board. Chasing the total, the Knight Riders never really got going as they were bundled out for only 108 runs inside 16 overs.

Hales was awarded the man of the match for his scintillating hundred which was indeed a game changer. This was the first century of the league which makes it more special. Prior to this, Hales had terrific run with the Sydney Thunder as well in the Big Bash League with three half centuries.

Hales knocking the doors of selectors for an ODI comeback

Matthew Mott, the white-ball coach for England, has said that if Alex Hales maintains his strong T20I form, it will be difficult to keep him out of the ODI squad.

In a recent interview, Mott said:

 
“White-ball cricket is white-ball cricket in my opinion. He has demonstrated that he is not a ball slogger. He is a true cricketer, and there is no excuse for him not to be selected for that 50-over team, Mott told Sky Sports.”

“We don’t play a lot of one-day cricket, and we have some difficult selections coming up, but I’m sure if he maintains up this strong form, he’ll be hard to ignore him.”

Redemption Saga of Alex Hales

Alex Hales made his comeback into England Colours last year. The 34-year-old had not played for the Three Lions since 2019 owing to conduct issues before being called back to the England squad for the Pakistan series and T20 World Cup.

 He was called in place of Jonny Bairstow and has not looked back since. He played a pivotal role in England’s T20 World Cup triumph with over 200 runs in the tournament at an average of 42.

His best came against India where he scored an unbeaten 86 runs in England’s 10-wicket victory in the one-sided semi-final at the Adelaide Oval.