A record-breaking 187 unbeaten knock from Alex Hales led Nottinghamshire to victory at Lord’s in the One-Day cup final against Surrey.
The England opening batsman amassed the highest individual 50-over score off 167 balls as Notts won by four wickets after chasing 298 to win with 13 balls remaining.
Surrey lost in the final for a third season in a row as Notts lifted their first trophy since 2013.
After Surrey won the toss and elected to bat, opener Jason Roy was dropped first ball by Rikki Wessels off a Luke Fletcher delivery at slip.
Roy’s opening partner Mark Stoneman was dropped twice early on before he finished 144 not out as his side posted 297-9.
But Notts recovered well after a shaky start as talisman Hales blasted four sixes and 20 boundaries as he put on a 137 sixth-wicket stand with Outlaws skipper Chris Read (58).
Hales’ turn at the crease was nearly cut short as he was dropped at cover on nine by Ollie Pope.
And Hales went on to record his half-century off just 35 balls and the fastest-ever 100 at Lord’s off 83.
Steven Mullaney was the fifth batter to fall with Notts 150-5 after 25 overs, but a commanding performance from Read alongside Hales put Notts in contention for the win.
Read was caught by Stoneman off Sam Curran in the 45th over with Notts 287-6.
And James Pattinson (9*) steered Notts across the line with the scintillating Hales as the Outlaws posted 298-6.
The victory could turn out to be Read’s final trophy for Notts as retires at the end of the season.
Written by Isaac Seelochan
