England opener Alex Hales scored a brilliant 86 runs off just 47 balls as India were routed by their opponents in the second semifinal of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Adelaide on Thursday, November 10. Keeping in mind that Hales was not in contention to make the England squad initially, the swashbuckling batter was surprised at the call-up and has come up trumps when it mattered.
"I never thought I would play in a World Cup again, so to get the chance is a very special feeling, in a country (Australia) that I love and spend a lot of time in, tonight is one of the best nights of my career," Hales said during the post-match presentation.
Striking the ball at a rate of 182.97, Hales' innings included 4 fours and 7 sixes. He set up a brilliant partnership of 170-run partnership with his skipper Jos Buttler, who scored 80 runs off 49 balls himself. The Indian bowlers had no response for the England onslaught and this delighted Hales, given the quality that the Men in Blue possess.
"It will be right up there for sure (referring to the perfect innings). The huge occasion, India in a semifinal of a World Cup, really happy with the way I played and it is as special as it gets. This is one of the best grounds to bat in, especially in the powerplay, a really good surface and great value for good cricket shots, this is a ground I have good memories of and enjoy batting here," he said.
Chasing 168 for the win, Hales and his opening partner Buttler ran rings around the Indian bowlers, with Buttler himself striking at a rate of 163.26. It was a dominating victory for England, who will now face 2009 champions Pakistan in the final.
It was an emotional moment for Hales for sure, having been third in line in the selection for a spot in the team. But Jason Roy's bad form and Jonny Bairstow's freak golf injury on the day that the England squad was announced, paved the way for Hales to perform for England at the 2022 T20 World Cup.
