Australia opener Aaron Finch hit 156 for the highest ever Twenty20 international score to help his team set England a formidable target of 249 in the first match of the two—game series on Thursday.
Finch struck 14 sixes and 11 fours in a stunning 63—ball innings in Southampton to score Australia’s first ever T20 century and easily surpass the previous world record of 123, held by New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum. The right—hander’s knock contained the most sixes hit by one player in a T20 innings.
Jade Dernbach bowled Finch in the 18th over and finished with 3—34, as Australia posted 248—6.
England hasn’t lost to Australia in any format in this Ashes summer, while the Australians’ last competitive international win came 200 days ago.
Australia handed a debut to Pakistan—born legspinner Fawad Ahmed.